The health minister told cabinet members he could not guarantee there would be no deaths if Britain exits the European Union (EU) without a deal, The Times newspaper has reported.

Matt Hancock made the comments during a five-hour cabinet meeting discussing the Brexit deal negotiated with the EU by Prime Minister Theresa May, according to the newspaper.

After being probed on this on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, Mr Hancock did not deny he had made the remarks, although he did not confirm that crashing out of the EU without a deal could lead to deaths.

He added: ‘No deal is not pretty... we need to make sure everyone does what's necessary to have the unhindered flow of medicines that people need.’

 

 

A No. 10 spokesperson told The Pharmacist they were unable to comment on discussions in cabinet meetings.

Understandably, the alleged comments have alarmed the public.