“Huge numbers” of pharmacies across the UK took part in an “unprecedented” day of action in protest against funding cuts yesterday, the National Pharmacy Association has said.

The NPA-organised day of “symbolic action” saw pharmacies turn off their lights as many engaged with parliamentary candidates in their area on the severity of the challenges community pharmacies are facing. 

The campaign, which carried the #saveourphamacies hashtag on social media, was featured in national mainstream and local news outlets  

The NPA head office team also delivered campaign letters to party leaders Keir Starmer, Rishi Sunak and Ed Davey, while Liberal Democrat deputy leader and health spokesperson Daisy Cooper met with the trade body to discuss the “crisis” in funding that has seen 1,400 pharmacies close permanently in the last 10 years.  

NPA chief executive Paul Rees said: “It’s humbling to see the huge response of pharmacies and their patients in the four corners of the UK turning out to protest at the appalling cuts which have hobbled our sector for so many years. 

“This day of action was about making plain the case for change – and while it’s great to get high profile media and social media exposure what will make a huge difference are the thousands of conversations in pharmacies today that will translate into discussions on the doorstep, leaving the parties in no doubt about the strength of feeling about our hard-pressed but vital service. 

“We are in close and constant touch with senior figures in all major parties, and leave them in no doubt that pharmacies can and do deliver for their communities – but need adequate funding to avoid collapse.”