HEALTH leaders have written to the prime minister voicing significant concern over potential shortages of medical supplies.

These significant concerns are despite the government announcing plans, underpinned by £25m of government funding to secure a continuous supply.

The chief executive of the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry said: “Companies look forward to the detail of how this extra freight capacity will work in practice” – hardly a reassuring endorsement and implying that the Conservative plans are theoretical and won’t work in practice!

The editor of the British Medical Journal has reminded doctors of their duty to inform patients of risks to their health and added “Brexit was sold to Britain on a bus proclaiming it would be better for health. We have to tell the public that nothing could be further from the truth.”

The British Medical Association council chair said: “Given the dangers, every possible step must be taken to avoid no deal.”

It is not just medicine supplies that will be affected. If the disruption is as extensive as the government’s planning predicts, then food prices will rise at least 10 per cent.

Many people will lose heavily if there is a no deal Brexit, but there are a few who will gain. The former chancellor Phillip Hammond has confirmed that some of the prime minister’s biggest backers have set up financial positions so that they will make millions if the pound crashes after a no deal Brexit on October 31.

Cllr Sam Corcoran, leader of Cheshire East Council