Chronological coverage updated 2nd October 2026 07:00.
Update 1 · 2nd October 2026
Royal College of Nursing Cuts Commercial Ties With Israeli Drug Giant Teva UK
Britain's primary nursing union, representing more than 500,000 members, has formally terminated its commercial relationship with Teva UK. The organisation has also dropped the pharmaceutical manufacturer as a sponsor for an upcoming conference on migraine and headache services scheduled to take place at its London headquarters on 30 October 2026.
Teva UK operates as the British branch of Teva Pharmaceuticals, a global drug manufacturer that serves as one of the largest suppliers of medicines to the National Health Service. The decision to sever ties came after grassroots health organisations, including Nurses for Palestine and UK Healthcare Petitions to Royal Colleges, pressed the union to cut links due to the parent company's association with Israel's military and its history of corporate penalties.
Union Council Decision and Values Alignment
Carmel O'Boyle, chair of the ruling council for the Royal College of Nursing, communicated the decision in writing to campaign groups, confirming that further internal reviews into Teva Pharmaceuticals revealed a history of public scrutiny and legal sanctions inconsistent with union standards.
The Guardian reportedly quoted Carmel O’Boyle (chair of the ruling council of the Royal College of Nursing) as saying: “We know how important it is that the RCN only enters commercial relationships with companies that represent the values of the nursing profession.”.
Corporate Penalties and Response
Campaigners highlighting Teva's record pointed to substantial international penalties levied against the company over the past decade involving allegations of price-fixing, bribery, and market abuse across multiple jurisdictions.
Teva was fined €462.6m for anti-competitive behaviour after blocking rival pharmaceutical companies from marketing alternative multiple sclerosis treatments across seven European nations. — according to European Commission.
Teva agreed to pay $225m in penalties to resolve criminal charges alleging price-fixing across three generic medicines. — according to US Department of Justice.
Teva paid $519m in settlements regarding civil and criminal charges related to bribing foreign government officials in Russia, Ukraine, and Mexico..
The Guardian reportedly quoted Teva spokesperson (speaking on behalf of Teva UK) as saying: “As one of the largest suppliers of medicines to the UK we have valued our longstanding partership with the RCN and the opportunity it has provided to support healthcare professionals and the patients they care for.”.
The Guardian reportedly quoted Teva spokesperson (speaking on behalf of Teva UK) as saying: “Healthcare is at its best when it remains focused on patients rather than being politicised.”.
Following the nursing union's decision, pro-Palestine health advocates are turning their attention to other medical institutions, urging the Royal College of Pharmacy to cancel Teva UK's sponsorship and exhibition stand at its upcoming annual conference.
- The Royal College of Nursing cut commercial ties with Teva UK following pressure over its military links and corporate track record.
- Teva Pharmaceuticals has paid over £1bn in global fines over the last decade for market abuse, price-fixing, and bribery.
- Campaigners are now pressuring the Royal College of Pharmacy to end its commercial relationship with the company.
