Keir Starmer is facing calls from MPs to scrap a controversial healthcare deal dubbed the “Trump tax” and redirect funds towards addressing the challenges in Britain’s ailing social care system. The Liberal Democrats have criticized the Prime Minister for allegedly yielding to pressure from the US President by agreeing to a recent trade deal. While experts predict a significant increase of £3 billion annually in pharmaceutical costs due to the transatlantic pact, the Government contests this estimation.
The deal involves raising price limits for medicines by as much as 25%, but the Government lauds it as a landmark achievement, highlighting that Britain will be the sole nation worldwide to secure a zero percent tariff on pharmaceuticals to the US. Meanwhile, there is mounting pressure on the PM to expedite reforms in social care, as data reveals that over 4.3 million hospital days were unnecessarily occupied by patients who could have been cared for elsewhere by 2024/25.
Daisy Cooper, the Deputy Leader of the Liberal Democrats, criticized Keir Starmer for prioritizing payments to the White House over addressing the social care crisis. She emphasized the urgency for Starmer to take decisive action and demonstrate his commitment to resolving the negligence in the system. Despite the Government’s announcement of a cross-party commission on social care in January last year, which has met only once since, there are lingering concerns about the delay in implementing meaningful reforms.
Labour had pledged to establish a new National Care Service leading up to the 2024 general election, with Baroness Louise Casey heading a commission expected to deliver initial recommendations this year and final proposals by 2028. Criticism surrounding the UK-US agreement persists, with estimates suggesting a £3 billion surge in annual drug expenses. The Government, however, defends the deal, asserting that it safeguards supplies and secures advantageous terms for the UK’s medical technology exports.
Responding to the criticisms, a government spokesperson refuted the £3 billion figure as inaccurate and assured that no frontline NHS services would suffer funding cuts due to the deal. Emphasizing the importance of the agreement in enhancing access to life-saving medications, the spokesperson highlighted ongoing efforts to improve NHS efficiency and discharge processes. Additionally, collaborations between the NHS, local authorities, and social care units aim to bolster discharge capabilities during peak demand periods.
In a statement, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., the healthcare chief under the Trump administration, commended the UK-US agreement for promoting innovation in medicines and rebalancing pharmaceutical trade between the two countries. The statement credited President Trump for championing these reforms and prioritizing American interests.
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