Campaigners argue that such a significant change to NICE’s operations should have required primary legislation instead of secondary legislation with limited scrutiny.
Some MPs have tried to oppose these legislative changes.
Former Shadow Chancellor John McDonnell led a cross-party effort by writing to former Health Secretary Wes Streeting, urging the publication of the government’s impact assessment of the agreement and allowing MPs to debate it in parliament.
The letter, obtained by POLITICO, was endorsed by over 20 MPs, including former Green party leaders Siân Berry, Carla Denyer, Adrian Ramsay, Green MP Hannah Spencer, Labour MP Andy McDonald, and SNP MP Seamus Logan.
“We are deeply concerned that the government is reneging on its promise to keep the NHS off the table in a trade deal with Trump,” the letter asserted. “This agreement will likely have a significant impact on our health services, particularly if it involves diverting funding from areas of the NHS.”
What’s next?
Nick Dearden, director of Global Justice Now, stated that the government is expected to respond “within days.”
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