BURNLEY MP and Labour health spokeswoman Julie Cooper has accused the government of covering up its desire to close pharmacies.

She spoke out after Cabinet correspondence emerged during a court case which suggested ministers knew their £320million cut to the budget for local chemists’ shops would lead to many shutting despite public assurances to the contrary.

Mrs Cooper, who used to run a pharmacy, said: “This shows there was a blatant attempt to pull the wool over the eyes of the public.

“Not only did they expect a high number of community pharmacies to close, but that they viewed this as a desirable outcome.

“The reassurances given just weren’t accurate and it is shocking the Government has tried to keep the truth from the public for so long.

“No one should really be surprised because it has been clear since the outset they have little idea of how highly the public, particularly the elderly, value their pharmacies.”