Negotiations & Political Engagement Update | June 2026

Published: 11th June 2026

Chief Executive Matt Barclay from Community Pharmacy Scotland (CPS) shares a brief update for the community pharmacy network covering two key areas: the current state of negotiations with the Scottish Government and the political landscape following the Scottish Parliament election.

With a new intake of MSPs now in place, CPS outlines who the key new ministers are, including Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care Angela Constance and Minister, who holds responsibility for community pharmacy within her role. CPS is actively working to engage with these individuals as a priority.

On negotiations, Matt confirms that face-to-face discussions with the Scottish Government have not yet resumed following the election period, though CPS expects this to happen imminently. In the meantime, the team has been using the time to resubmit proposals and make the case to Scottish Government officials for what the network needs and why. CPS is also encouraging contractors across the network to engage with their local MSPs over the summer period, and is offering support to help with this, whether in person or by providing talking points and briefing lines.

Get in touch with CPS at enquiries@cps.scot if you would like support with engaging with elected officials in your area

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Who are the new ministers responsible for community pharmacy?

  Following the Scottish Parliament election, Angela Constance has been appointed Cabinet Secretary for Health and Care. Alison Thewliss, a new MSP who previously had political experience at Westminster, has been appointed as Community Care Minister and will hold responsibility for community pharmacy within her portfolio. CPS is prioritising engagement with both.

• How can my pharmacy engage with local MSPs, and can CPS help?

  CPS is encouraging contractors across the network to engage with their local MSPs over the summer period, particularly given the new intake of elected officials. If you would like support, CPS can assist in person or help you with briefing lines and talking points to use in those conversations. Get in touch with the CPS team directly if you would like a helping hand.