The current situation whereby in the absence of UK GMP facilities only phages imported from abroad can be used, which may themselves be non-GMP, is irrational and discriminatory. This is a costly approach based on a fragile supply chain, which is denying very ill patients rapid access to a therapy that is allowed in some other jurisdictions. It is also hindering the UK’s clinical development and evaluation of phages and holding back the strengthening of expertise across the UK’s health system. There is also a knock-on impact on the UK’s phage innovators. The greater compassionate use of phages in the UK in cases of last resort would be more likely to give the opportunity to demonstrate their potential, which could encourage more investment in clinical trials and GMP facilities, to drive forward the commercial use of phages in the UK and exports. We recommend that the Department of Health and Social Care and the Medical and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency reviews the current rules regarding the clinical use of phages in the UK. This should aim to ensure alignment between domestically produced and imported phages.