Written question asked by Wendy Chamberlain (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 9 February 2023, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 20 February 2023. It was answered by Nigel Huddleston (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 March 2023 on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade.

TRIPS Agreement: Coronavirus

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, which (a) industry bodies and (b) UK civil society organisations the Department for International Trade consulted with on the TRIPS waiver extension to include COVID-19 tests and treatments.

Answer: Department for Business and Trade officials have discussed the potential extension of the Twelfth Ministerial Conference (MC12) TRIPS decision with (a) the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the BioIndustry Association (BIA), the Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), (b) StopAids, Médecins Sans Frontières, Just Treatment, Global Justice, Oxfam, Access 2 Healthcare, and Christian Aid. HM Government appreciates the continuous engagement from industry and civil society organisations on this matter and remains committed to engage constructively with stakeholders on discussions taking place at the World Trade Organization.

Secondary information