Alistair Burt has been appointed as the new government minister responsible for pharmacy.

The new Minister of State for Community and Social Care, and Conservative MP for north east Bedfordshire, takes over from previous pharmacy minister Earl Howe.

Sue Sharpe, PSNC chief executive, said: "Earl Howe was a front bench health team member for very many years and he has consistently been supportive of community pharmacy. He was, among other things, responsible for agreeing the implementation of the New Medicine Service despite the financial crisis at the time; and he will be missed."

"However; the opportunity and value that community pharmacy represents is now well recognised and I am confident that the new minister will pick up the baton. We look forward to working with Alistair Burt and are pleased to note that his responsibilities also include care for older people and integration, both of which are important areas for community pharmacy."

Mr Burt said: “I am delighted to have been appointed as Minister of State at the Department of Health. Our NHS and social care services are full of remarkable individuals doing work that touches the lives of many people. I am looking forward to listening to those involved and doing all I can to ensure the Government plays its full part in the further development of these vital services.”