Queen’s Speech Promises More NHS Spending After Brexit

New Medicines Bill To Be Debated Soon

The new UK government’s political priorities for the years ahead were laid out in the 19 December Queen’s speech, which inevitably centred around the UK’s departure from the EU next month and the negotiation of a free trade deal with the EU. A rise in NHS spending was promised, and new legislation on the future of medicines regulation is on the horizon.

The government is promising more funding for the NHS • Source: Shutterstock

More spending on the National Health Service, an expansion of the UK's science infrastructure and skills base, and higher tax credits for R&D were among pledges in the 19 December Queen’s speech, which laid out the new government’s priorities for the next five years.

Attached to the speech was a background briefing note outlining several pieces of draft legislation, including a bill setting...