Work Together, Save Lives

Save lives - safeguard the UK's access to a coronavirus vaccine and vital medical supplies.

UPDATE 17th June 2020: European Commission announces European Vaccines Strategy

Today the European Commission announces its European Vaccines Strategy days after Best for Britain's newest poll in the North of England show 70% of people think we should prioritise working with Europe on coronavirus.

The UK has always been a leading force in research, medicine and pharmaceuticals. It will be a shame for the Johnson government to pass up an opportunity to be part of this #UnitedAgainstCoronavirus stratregy.

Add your name to the petition now to show you agree.


UPDATE 21st April 2020: 77% want UK to participate in EU schemes to bulk-buy PPE

A new Best for Britain poll shows over three quarters of the UK want the government to participate in future EU schemes to bulk-buy personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical medical supplies.

Nearly two thirds of 2019 Conservative voters agreed with the first statement (62%), as well as 57 per cent of those who voted Leave in the 2016 EU referendum.

Add your name to the petition now to show you agree.


UPDATE 26th March 2020: UK must keep working with the world

Europe recently asked the UK to join joint procurement schemes for urgently needed medical equipment and supplies, but the UK missed their email. Now Ministers say they will "look at" taking part.

We add to this petition our call to the government to immediately take advantage of the Europe-wide joint bulk-buy for medical supplies our NHS urgently needs.

And we add our call for the UK to take part in the EWRS, Europe's Early Warning and Response System for disease control across borders.


Back of the queue?

We are urging the government to make sure Britain doesn't fall to the back of the queue for a coronavirus vaccine, when it becomes available.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) has an emergency procedure for the fast-track approval of a new vaccine in the event of a pandemic. This guarantees co-operation between EU member countries and grants them quick access to the life-saving drug. With the coronavirus vaccine delivery date set for next year, the UK will be outside the EU, and outside the authority of the EMA or ECDC, once it’s ready. Britain would be denied quick access to a coronavirus vaccine.

Save as many lives as possible

Not only this, being outside the EU's ability to purchase enough vaccines, Britain's buying power as a small nation puts it behind other larger customers who might be prioritised. We want to ensure as many lives as possible can be saved when a vaccine becomes available. We need to reassure those with older relatives and those in vulnerable groups that they all have access to a vaccine - they simply cannot risk the wait.

Work with the world

That means coming to an agreement with the EU and the EMA or ECDC as soon as possible. Not only this, but it’s time to reconsider our timeline for the transition, to prioritise the safety of all. The Government should be proactive in beginning negotiations now, so that a practical agreement can be in place for when a vaccination is available.

Take advantage of opportunities

A global Britain cannot be seen to walk away from a global crisis. We need co-operation and partnership with our closest allies to save as many lives as possible. Now is the time to work together. That’s why we are calling on the government, as a matter of urgency, to come to an agreement with the European Commission, the ECDC and the EMA, to secure a vaccine for the British people. 

Add your name below. The UK should work with the world to beat Coronavirus.

Sign here:

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35,000 signatures

UPDATE 17th June 2020: European Commission announces European Vaccines Strategy

Today the European Commission announces its European Vaccines Strategy days after Best for Britain's newest poll in the North of England show 70% of people think we should prioritise working with Europe on coronavirus.

The UK has always been a leading force in research, medicine and pharmaceuticals. It will be a shame for the Johnson government to pass up an opportunity to be part of this #UnitedAgainstCoronavirus stratregy.

Add your name to the petition now to show you agree.


UPDATE 21st April 2020: 77% want UK to participate in EU schemes to bulk-buy PPE

A new Best for Britain poll shows over three quarters of the UK want the government to participate in future EU schemes to bulk-buy personal protective equipment (PPE) and other critical medical supplies.

Nearly two thirds of 2019 Conservative voters agreed with the first statement (62%), as well as 57 per cent of those who voted Leave in the 2016 EU referendum.

Add your name to the petition now to show you agree.


UPDATE 26th March 2020: UK must keep working with the world

Europe recently asked the UK to join joint procurement schemes for urgently needed medical equipment and supplies, but the UK missed their email. Now Ministers say they will "look at" taking part.

We add to this petition our call to the government to immediately take advantage of the Europe-wide joint bulk-buy for medical supplies our NHS urgently needs.

And we add our call for the UK to take part in the EWRS, Europe's Early Warning and Response System for disease control across borders.


Back of the queue?

We are urging the government to make sure Britain doesn't fall to the back of the queue for a coronavirus vaccine, when it becomes available.

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) and the European Centre for Disease Control (ECDC) has an emergency procedure for the fast-track approval of a new vaccine in the event of a pandemic. This guarantees co-operation between EU member countries and grants them quick access to the life-saving drug. With the coronavirus vaccine delivery date set for next year, the UK will be outside the EU, and outside the authority of the EMA or ECDC, once it’s ready. Britain would be denied quick access to a coronavirus vaccine.

Save as many lives as possible

Not only this, being outside the EU's ability to purchase enough vaccines, Britain's buying power as a small nation puts it behind other larger customers who might be prioritised. We want to ensure as many lives as possible can be saved when a vaccine becomes available. We need to reassure those with older relatives and those in vulnerable groups that they all have access to a vaccine - they simply cannot risk the wait.

Work with the world

That means coming to an agreement with the EU and the EMA or ECDC as soon as possible. Not only this, but it’s time to reconsider our timeline for the transition, to prioritise the safety of all. The Government should be proactive in beginning negotiations now, so that a practical agreement can be in place for when a vaccination is available.

Take advantage of opportunities

A global Britain cannot be seen to walk away from a global crisis. We need co-operation and partnership with our closest allies to save as many lives as possible. Now is the time to work together. That’s why we are calling on the government, as a matter of urgency, to come to an agreement with the European Commission, the ECDC and the EMA, to secure a vaccine for the British people. 

Add your name below. The UK should work with the world to beat Coronavirus.

Sign here: