Alliance Health Spokesperson Paula Bradshaw has said the UK Government and European Commission must reach an urgent agreement to allow the continued flow of medicines from Great Britain to Northern Ireland and provided clarity about long-term provision.

The South Belfast MLA stated: “This type of uncertainty concerning the provision of medicines to Northern Ireland is among many reasons the Alliance Party opposed Brexit in the first place, as it could only lead to difficulties such as this.

“Nevertheless, it is clear that medicines being sent from Great Britain to suppliers in Northern Ireland are plainly for use in Northern Ireland and do not represent a risk to the integrity of the EU Internal Market.

“Furthermore, there remains as yet no differentiation in standards in the UK and in the EU, so there is clearly time to reach a long-term agreement, alongside an urgent short-term agreement to enable the continued flow in the short term.

“Ultimately medicines entering Northern Ireland for use in Northern Ireland should be permitted and an urgent agreement is needed to clarify this.”