Welcome back to the APPG on Pharmacy Parliamentary update for October 2025. Both Houses have now returned following a busy conference recess. Below is a summary of the key parliamentary and policy developments in community pharmacy from recent weeks.
Key announcements
NHS England - Free ‘morning after pill’ for women at high street pharmacies thanks to NHS expansion – 29th October.
The expansion of the Pharmacy Contraception Service (PCS), enabling high street pharmacies in England to offer the "morning-after pill" (oral emergency contraception) free of charge under the NHS. This service expansion, driven by NHS England, significantly improves patient access to vital reproductive healthcare, allowing women to receive timely emergency contraception directly from their local pharmacy without needing a GP appointment, and reducing pressure on primary care services.
NHS England – Medium Term Planning Framework – delivering change together 2026/27 to 2028/29 - 24th October.
The Medium-Term Planning Framework, which sets strategic direction for Integrated Care Boards (ICBs) for the coming three years, explicitly calls on systems to "maximise Pharmacy First and roll out new services." This mandate signifies a high-level strategic commitment to embedding the Pharmacy First approach to reduce primary care pressures and substantially expand the clinical role of community pharmacy. This push is part of a wider NHS strategy to shift care from hospital to community settings, with ICBs expected to ensure a full embrace of pharmacy services, including the newly expanded emergency contraception provision and future plans for HPV vaccinations.
Key Parliamentary Activity
Oral Contributions
General Committee – Legislation Committee - Grand Committee - Authorisation by Pharmacists and Supervision by Pharmacy Technicians – House of Commons – 13th October 2025.
Stephen Kinnock (Minister for Care, Labour): Outlined the draft order was introduced as part of broader efforts to modernise pharmacy regulation and streamline operations. Three main proposals were outlined; pharmacists would be able to authorise pharmacy technicians to oversee dispensing work; qualified staff could distribute checked prescriptions even if the pharmacist is not present; and skilled pharmacy technicians would have the authority to operate hospital aseptic units. The explanation highlighted gradual implementation, prioritised patient safety, and underscored the goal of allowing pharmacists to focus more on clinical care under the 10-Year Health Plan.
Gregory Stafford (Conservative, Shadow Health Spokesperson): Outlined that the Conservatives would not oppose the legislation and supported the sensible move to let pharmacists and technicians work at the top of their remit, improving efficiency and patient access. Raised concerns about clarity on “supervision” and “authorisation”, the impact on small or rural pharmacies without technicians, and funding for expanded services like Pharmacy First. Stafford also asked about transition timelines, guidance for regulators, and progress on pharmacy technician regulation in Northern Ireland.
Grand Committee - Authorisation by Pharmacists and Supervision by Pharmacy Technicians – House of Lords – 21st October 2025.
On 21st October, the Human Medicines Order 2025 (Authorisation by Pharmacists and Supervision by Pharmacy Technicians) was put forward in the House of Lords. The Order seeks to modernise the legislation around the supervision, preparation, assembly, dispensing, sale and supply of prescription only medicines. On 30th October, the order was considered approved.
Key themes and speakers included:
Baroness Merron – Minister: Explained the purpose of the SI: modernising pharmacy regulation, reducing red tape, enabling pharmacists to focus on clinical care, and allowing pharmacy technicians greater autonomy. Outlined three proposals: delegation of dispensing supervision, authorisation for handing out checked prescriptions, and enabling technicians to manage aseptic facilities. Emphasised phased implementation and patient safety.
Lord Scriven (Liberal Democrat and APPG Vice-Chair): Supported modernisation but raised three concerns—patient safety (training, unclear authorisation, accountability), financial risks (possible NHS dispensing fee cuts), and supply issues (vague "at or from" wording enabling remote supply). Requested clear guidance, stable funding, and legal clarity.
Baroness Hollins (Cross Bench): Raised concerns about patient safety, training gaps (NVQ vs master’s level), risk of corporate pressure, lack of clear definitions for supervision and authorisation, and accountability issues. Questioned how authorisations would be tracked and highlighted potential conflicts and risks with lethal substances under other legislation.
Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick (Labour): Supported the order for freeing pharmacists to deliver more patient-facing care and NHS services. Highlighted benefits for community pharmacy and vaccination programmes but echoed concerns about qualification gaps and Northern Ireland’s delay in registering pharmacy technicians.
Baroness Bennett of Manor Castle (Green Party): Supported reform in principle but stressed risks from corporate ownership and financial pressures. Questioned timing given ongoing consultation on technician training, and asked how this fits into wider regulation reforms (Leng review). Called for clarity on training improvements before implementation.
Lord Kamall (Conservative): Supported reform but called for clearer definitions of training and supervision. He requested details on transition timelines, availability of guidance, and raised concerns about small or rural pharmacies lacking technicians. He also questioned oral authorisation accountability and sought clarification on implementation timelines for Northern Ireland.
Written Questions:
There were 34 written questions relating to Pharmacy answered in the House of Commons and House of Lords over the past two weeks. These can all be viewed on Hansard here.
Key questions include:
