Here’s a summary of the key points from the provided text:
* Cross-party concern: A group of MPs from Labour,Liberal Democrat,Green,and SNP parties are meeting to pressure the government to release its full assessment of a recent US/UK deal’s impact on the UK.
* Potential for higher drug costs: The main worry is that the deal will lead to substantially higher drug costs, potentially diverting funds from NHS services.
* Call for transparency: john McDonnell, a former shadow chancellor, is leading the effort, advocating for a public, independent impact assessment. They also want a Commons debate and a select commitee inquiry.
* Government’s position: the government claims the deal will cost an extra £1 billion between 2025/26 and 2028/29, acknowledging costs will rise afterward but refusing to provide estimates.
* Increased spending commitment: The UK has committed to doubling its spending on new drugs to 0.6% of GDP by 2035.
* Refusal to disclose details: The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has refused to provide long-term cost information or correspondence related to the deal, even in response to freedom of information requests.
