Links between the pharmaceutical industry and the UK Department of Health have become so intertwined that the public's health is being put at risk, says a highly critical report from a cross party group of MPs, published this week. The much anticipated report cites multiple failings at the United Kingdom's drug regulatory body for not scrutinising thoroughly enough data from companies seeking licences for new drugs and for not monitoring side effects adequately.

It also blames lax controls at the Department of Health for allowing pharmaceutical companies to have expanded influence over the public and the medical profession, which has led to overprescribing by doctors and an unhealthy reliance on medicines by the public.

The report, from the House of Commons health select committee, recommends a …