The National Pharmacy Association had called on independent pharmacies to begin "mobilising local political opinion", in readiness for a "concerted campaign" against Department of Health proposals to cut pharmacy funding and introduce efficiencies. Independent pharmacies should write to their local MP about the value of local pharmacies, said an NPA statement. 

"Today I have written to my own MP about the value of local pharmacies and I urge all NPA members to do the same. This is about beginning to mobilise political support across the country for what could be a long and difficult struggle ahead," said NPA chairman Ian Strachan.

An NPA webinar on 'Cuts and efficiencies' will take place on the evening of 25 January. Mr Strachan will outline the NPA's plans and the resources the association is making available to support campaigning activity. Registration is open to all at www.npa.co.uk/events.

"What we have seen so far is a jumble of half-explained ideas coming out of government, and a justifiably worried and angry response from the profession.

"The Government proposals are light on detail, but the direction of policy is already clear, and independents must mobilise to oppose it. It is a drift away from valuing local pharmacies and a retreat from any serious effort to maximise the benefits of the bricks and mortar pharmacy network," added Mr Strachan.