Protect the NHS from Trump's drug demand

Petitions urge government to stand up to US President

- BY MARTIN BAGOT Health Editor

HUNDREDS of thousands of people have signed petitions demanding the government protect the NHS from the medicine price increases demanded by Donald Trump.

Three petitions were handed in at Westminster yesterday signed by 300,000 people, after reports the UK is offering to increase NHS price thresholds by 25%.

President Trump has threatened pharmaceutical import tariffs of up to 100% on Britain if the NHS does not pay more.

The government says it is in discussions with the US but its deal could mean NHS England paying billions more for drugs than the current £20billion a year.

If it did, that would leave less for staff and supplies, meaning patients would wait longer for diagnosis and treatment.