Pharmacy minister Alistair Burt told MPs during Health Questions in parliament today that he plans to stand down in September.

Mr Burt told MPs that his decision to resign had been made weeks ago and was not related to recent events such as the junior doctors rejection of new contract proposals.

NPA chairman Ian Strachan said: “Alistair Burt’s departure presents an opportunity for everyone to draw breath, and to pause and reflect on the government’s proposals for community pharmacies.

“Mr Burt’s successor should be given the opportunity to thoroughly review the Department of Health’s plans before any steps are taken towards implementation. He or she should also look carefully at the alternatives laid out by the pharmacy sector, and we look forward to a constructive, open-minded dialogue.

“It’s surely time to go back to the drawing board. Officials should get around the table with pharmacists and patients to discuss, from first principles, a future in which the pharmacy sector is vibrant and efficient, and fulfilling its potential on the health service front line.”