EU plan for medicine stockpile could worsen UK’s record shortages

The EU plan would include 200 commonly used medications, such as antibiotics, painkillers and vaccines. Photograph: George Frey/Getty Images

The EU is to stockpile key medicines that will worsen the record drug shortages in the UK, with experts warning that the country could be left “behind in the queue”.

The EU is seeking to safeguard its supplies by switching to a system in which its 27 members work together to secure reliable supplies of 200 commonly used medications, such as antibiotics, painkillers and vaccines.