Campaigners threaten legal action over UK-US deal on prices NHS pays for drugs
Campaigners are threatening legal action against the UK government over a controversial drug pricing deal with the Trump administration. They argue that changes to NHS treatment approvals could lead to higher drug prices and represent an unlawful power grab. The campaign groups are prepared to seek a judicial review unless the government revokes the new legislation that allows ministers to override independent assessments by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).
- ▪Campaign groups Global Justice Now and Just Treatment are threatening legal action over a UK-US drug pricing deal.
- ▪They claim the deal undermines the independence of the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (Nice).
- ▪The government insists that Nice's independence will be protected despite the new powers granted to ministers.
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Ministers said the deal with Donald Trump will mean more NHS patients get access to innovative medicines. Photograph: Andrew Walters/AlamyView image in fullscreenMinisters said the deal with Donald Trump will mean more NHS patients get access to innovative medicines. Photograph: Andrew Walters/AlamyNational Institute for Health and Care ExcellenceCampaigners threaten legal action over UK-US deal on prices NHS pays for drugs Two campaign groups claim that change to how NHS treatments are approved amounts to ‘unlawful power grab’Denis Campbell Health policy editorSun 17 May 2026 19.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleCampaigners against the UK’s controversial drug pricing deal with Donald Trump are threatening the government with legal action unless it scraps a key element of the…
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