Danny Beales welcomed the Government’s decision to pause VAT on medicines donated for free access and early access programmes. He thanked Ministers for recognising the need to address the issue and for their commitment to find a permanent solution. He highlighted that pharmaceutical companies are operating these schemes at a loss, providing lifesaving medicines to patients free of charge, and emphasised the moral importance of supporting such programmes. Beales raised concerns over the impact of delays on patients, especially those with rare cancers, and shared the stories of patients like Ian, who lost access to potentially life-extending treatment due to VAT liabilities. He urged the Government to find a comprehensive solution to ensure that companies can re-engage with these schemes and that patients can regain access to drugs. He also discussed the need for a broad definition of products eligible for VAT exemption, the removal of conditions restricting access to NHS-treated patients, and the importance of clarity on historical liabilities. Beales emphasised the strategic advantage of resolving this issue for the UK’s life sciences sector and called for a clear timetable for the consultation and implementation of the new approach.