A Freedom of Information (FOI) request has shown that since July 2024, pharmacists across the UK were told 115 times that different medications were not readily available.

While the number dropped in 2025 compared with 2024 at 67 and 127 respectively, this still far outstrips the numbers seen as recently as 2019.

The FOI also disclosed that 1700 price concessions were paid to pharmacists who could not secure products at the price set out in the NHS list – a stark contrast to the 734 concessions paid in 2019.

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Since Brexit, there have been notable shortages of life-saving drugs in the UK.

Research last year by think tank the Nuffield Trust and academics, which was funded by the Health Foundation, highlighted “underlying fragilities” in both the global and UK medicine supply chain .

It said while problems in the UK were not caused by Brexit, leaving the European Union (EU) has exacerbated them.

This is due to the fall in the value of sterling and the UK being removed from EU supply chains.

The SNP have now accused the Labour UK Government of “presiding over Brexit-induced chaos in healthcare across the UK”.

“Keir Starmer this week talked about a ‘re-alignment’ with the EU but he can’t escape the fact that the Labour Party is wedded to it – no matter the damage it causes to Scotland,” MSP Emma Harper said.

Emma Harper

“Starmer’s Government is presiding over a Brexit-induced chaos in healthcare across the UK.”

She added: “Families up and down the country are already struggling under disastrous Starmer policies, and now, as a result of being taken out of the EU despite not voting to leave, it’s becoming harder for Scots to access vital medication.

“The Labour UK Government must act urgently to address the ongoing issue of medicine shortages. While Starmer and Streeting fight over who deserves the keys to No.10, it’s clear that their internal politics holds more importance than the health of the people of the country they attempt to govern.

“The SNP is the only party offering Scotland a route back to the EU as an independent country. It shows why voting SNP is essential to stand up for Scotland, protect our NHS and secure a fresh start for Scotland with independence.”

The Department of Health and Social Care has been approached for comment.