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Prime minister Keir Starmer sent a message of support for this year's Sigma Pharmaceuticals conference, which took place in

In his letter, Mr Starmer said the pharmacy sector will play a key role in delivering the goals that will be set out in Labour's forthcoming 10-year plan for reforming the NHS.

Here is the letter in full:

"I am delighted to send a message of support for the 15th Sigma Retail Pharmacy Conference 2025 taking place in Baku, Azerbaijan.

"I would like to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations on marking your 15th annual conference. 

"This event brings together delegates from a wide range of backgrounds to discuss emerging issues and trends in the pharmacy sector, celebrate your successes and showcase the important work you do for patients across the UK.

"Community pharmacies have a vital role to play in rebuilding our NHS and so we are expanding their role by accelerating the roll-out of independent prescribers. 

"To support this plan, the Department of Health and Social Care have recently announced a package that will see record investment and reform in order to support the sector. 

"We have agreed with Community Pharmacy England to increase the Community Pharmacy Contractual Framework to £3.073bn. 

"This represents the largest increase in funding in any part of the NHS - over 19% across 2024/25 and 2025/26 - which recognises that community pharmacy plays a vital role in our healthcare system.

"This Government is developing a 10-year health plan to reform the NHS and make it fit for the future. 

"Pharmacies play a key role in enabling the 'shifts' from hospital to community, and from treatment to prevention.

"The announced funding uplift reflects the importance of the role pharmacies and their teams play within the NHS.

"I hope the conference goes well."