Thousands of pharmacies across the UK are participating in an unprecedented day of action to protest against funding pressures. Lights Out Protest: Pharmacies are turning off their lights and staging protests in response to the financial strain they are facing, according to the National Pharmacy Association (NPA). A recent analysis by the NPA revealed that two-thirds of pharmacies in England have been forced to reduce their opening hours since 2015 due to extreme funding pressures. The association also stated that approximately 1,400 pharmacies have closed in England over the past decade, with 10 closures occurring weekly. Nationwide Impact: In Wales and Northern Ireland, pharmacies have already shut down, while in Scotland, pharmacies are scaling back their hours, leading to concerns of potential closures. The NPA raised concerns about the future of pharmacy services in England, pointing out that despite promises from major political parties to expand these services, deep funding cuts have left many pharmacies struggling to cover their costs when supplying medicines. Paul Rees, the chief executive of the NPA, emphasized the significance of this day of action, stating, "It is great to see pharmacies across the UK participating in this unprecedented event. This demonstration sheds light on the immense challenges faced by pharmacies, as a decade of funding squeezes has pushed the sector into a state of distress." Participants hope that by drawing attention to their plight, policymakers will take action to address the financial difficulties threatening the sustainability of community pharmacies.