The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Access to Medicines and Medical Devices held its inaugural meeting on Tuesday, 20 May 2025. The meeting, chaired by Freddie van Mierlo MP, confirmed the Group’s formal establishment, with officers elected from across the political spectrum, including Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick, Iqbal Mohamed MP, and Lord Lansley. 

This APPG has been established to examine and develop the appraisal, funding, adoption, provision, and equality of access to medicines and medical devices in the NHS. Members agreed on a programme of work around three core themes: 

• System Preparedness and Readiness – assessing NHS capacity to adopt and deliver new medicines and technologies.
• System Fairness and Equity – addressing postcode lotteries and variation in access across regions and patient groups.
• Awareness of the UK’s medicines and devices landscape – supporting parliamentarians in navigating the access and regulatory environment. 

During the inaugural discussion, members highlighted the importance of addressing postcode variation, strengthening national coordination of Early Access Programmes, mitigating supply chain fragility, and enhancing the UK’s standing as a launch market for innovative treatments. 

The APPG will meet regularly throughout the year, focusing on practical, case-led interventions to highlight real-world access issues and support targeted, evidence-based policy improvements.