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As Minister for Life Sciences Gets the Chop, We Look to What the Future Holds for Life Sciences under Theresa May's Government

on Tuesday, 30 August 2016.

The Brexit vote has sent shockwaves through the science community.

Now as the fear of funding cuts, bars to market entry and restricted access to talent take hold, there is a genuine need for reassurance that the UK Government will step into the breach and keep faith with the needs of the life science industry during the negotiations regarding Britain's exit from the EU.

Of particular concern is the recent decision to axe the position of 'Minister for Life Science' and what this suggests for the future of life sciences in the UK - is it the beginning of the end? It would appear not, as at the Office for Life Sciences, it is business as usual. Its partner, the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, retains its brief to ensure that the 'UK remains at the leading edge of science, research and innovation' and therefore there appears to be light at the end of the Brexit doom and gloom tunnel.

There is also the recent Government decision to continue with the Brexit steering committee, made up of over 60 leading industry professionals and headed by the likes of Sir Andrew Witty, CEO for GlaxoSmithKline and Pascal Soriot, CEO of AstraZeneca. The Committee will look at the key issues facing the industry as the UK seeks to negotiate a favourable exit agreement from the EU. All promising signs for keeping the life blood flowing in the UK life sciences industry.

As the Government looks to identify those sectors which will showcase Britain as a trading and investment destination, this is an opportunity for the life sciences industry to really show its worth. As a world leader in life sciences innovation, including world-class biotech and pharma organisations right here on our doorstep, it is vital that the Government lends its support to the industry if it is to prosper in these changeable times - not only because there has been a real drive towards making the UK a leading life sciences destination, but because of the general reliance on collaborations between industry, Government, academia and the NHS in life sciences research.

This means funding, support by retaining close involvement with key regulatory organisations such as the European Medicines Agency and financial incentives to UK businesses within an economic plan where British businesses are helped to flourish alongside its international neighbours.


For more information, please contact a member of our Pharmaceutical Law and Life Sciences team, or complete the form below.

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