07 Jun National Aids Trust takes court action over PrEP funding

PrEP has been described as a “game-changing” drug, following trials which have unequivocally demonstrated that it reduces the risk of transmission of HIV.  After over 18 months of collaborative work involving NAT and many others, NHS England suddenly and unexpectedly pulled the plug on the well-formulated plan for PrEP to be provided on the NHS for high-risk groups.

NAT instructed us in March to apply for judicial review of this decision, and we sent an urgent letter before claim pointing out, in detail, the legal flaws in the decision.  At the eleventh hour, as the papers were on the way to Court to begin court action, NHS England agreed to reconsider its decision, but it has now reached the same decision again, so court action will be required after all.

NAT are fund-raising to cover the costs of the case, and you can donate here.  They have been on television and radio to explain why this is so important, and urgent questions have been asked in both Houses of Parliament about the lack of direction from the Secretary of State in this issue, with Caroline Lucas MP also tabling an Early Day Motion.  Court action is expected to commence later this week, with a hearing likely to take place in mid-July.

The partner with conduct of this case is Adam Hundt. Karon Monaghan QC of Matrix Chambers and Zoe Leventhal of Landmark Chambers are instructed as counsel.

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