Health minister has provided reassurance in the House of Lords regarding post-Brexit vaccine supplies.

In response to a written question from Lib Dem life peer Baroness Randerson, Lord Bethell said there were “detailed plans to help ensure continued supply of medicines and medical products, including vaccines, to the whole of the United Kingdom from 1 January 2021”.

Among the measures in place is a £77 million freight contract, to help ensure the smooth flow of Category 1 goods, such as vaccines.

Baroness Randerson asked: “What discussions [have taken place] with pharmaceutical company representatives about the risk of shortages of drugs and vaccines arising from the delay in establishing the new import procedures which will apply from 1 January 2021.

• In a letter, the Chief Pharmaceutical Officer at NHS England and NHS Improvement (NHSE&I) Dr Keith Ridge advises dispensaries against stockpiling medicines and against clinicians writing longer prescriptions for patients. The letter also details the DHSC’s supply chain resilience strategy.