New UK government’s plans for life sciences: the people and policies explained
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The UK life sciences industry takes centre-stage in two of the new Labour government’s “Five Missions For National Renewal”: economic growth and creating an NHS fit for the future. Not only is the industry set to drive healthcare innovation, but it is also seen as a powerhouse for the economic growth needed to fund increased NHS spending. Although the new government sees the life sciences industry as pivotal to its plans for the economy and healthcare, it remains unclear quite how it will achieve these goals. Seemingly to avoid any political blunders or hostages to fortune, Labour has detailed few measurable short-term or long-term goals so far instead, it mostly sets out general aspirations – many of which appear to be repackaged ideas from the previous government and review papers.
Whilst Labour is not seizing the opportunity to use its 180-seat majority to radically change the life sciences sector, its plans appear reassuringly straightforward and coherent. Indeed, the arrival of the new government has been publicly welcomed by industry members, including the ABPI, the BIA, Chemical Industries Association and Campaign for Science and Engineering.
