The prime minister visited a south London GP to announce freezing prescription prices in London but said they could only be free for those who need them most.
Sir Keir Starmer appeared at Nelson Medical Practice in Wimbledon on Monday (January 26) as part of his cost-of-living tour, in which he promoted the government’s decision to freeze NHS prescription charges for a second consecutive year.
He said the move will save Londoners around £12 million nationally in 2026–2027, keeping costs below £10 for patients.
After learning that prescriptions are free in other parts of the UK, I asked him why the government wouldn’t abolish the prices entirely and why freezing was their preferred choice.
He told me: “Well, firstly, it’s the second year that we’re freezing the charges at under £10.
“And that’s really important, because it’s a volatile world.
“There’s a lot going on internationally, as you’ve seen in recent weeks, but I know that across Wimbledon, across the country, the thing that matters most people is the cost of living and therefore measures we can take on the cost of living are hugely important.
“Whether it’s freezing prescription charges, which is what we’re dealing with today, freezing rail fares, taking money off people’s energy bills – all these measures are on the cost of living.”
He also addressed why prescriptions aren’t entirely free, saying: “For those that need them most – so older people and younger people – they are free.
“So, it’s a question of getting the balance right.
“But what this really underlines is the focus that I have, and this government has, on the cost of living.”
Sir Keir felt that empowering community pharmacies is central to easing pressure on NHS hospitals, while also making healthcare more convenient and affordable.
Community pharmacies are doing more than just dispensing medicine.
They now offer extra services like giving the morning-after pill for free and helping patients understand new antidepressant prescriptions, which makes healthcare easier and cheaper for people locally.
Alongside prescription charges, families in London gt 50p off every paid prescription, free MMR and chickenpox vaccines for children, and expanded childcare entitlements for more than 62,500 working families.
Sir Keir said: “At a time when families across London are feeling the squeeze, this government is taking practical, affordable steps to ease the pressure.
"Freezing prescription charges for a second year delivers real savings for millions across London and keeps the cost of their medicines below a tenner, saving 50p off every paid-for prescription.
"We are rolling up our sleeves, bearing down on the cost of living, bringing down bills for good and investing in our public services."
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