Parliamentary Group to Raise Profile of UK Life Sciences Sector

A new all Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) on Life Sciences officially launched at Westminster today (July 20^th), is set to raise awareness and understanding of the valuable contribution the life sciences sector provides to the health and the wealth of the nation.

Opening the event, Kit Malthouse MP, Chair of the APPG said: “Life sciences is the quintessential high-tech, innovative sector that we should prioritise for the 21^st century economy. In addition to its economic impact, at its heart are innovations and therapies that benefit patients and the public. This is a sector I have long been passionate about and I’m delighted to officially launch the new All Party Parliamentary Group.”

Minister for Life Sciences George Freeman MP commented: “As the world’s first dedicated Minister for Life Sciences, I welcome the establishment of this group which I am sure will continue to build the profile of this sector as the 2015 Parliament gets underway.”

Life Sciences UK (LSUK) will provide Secretariat for the Group. LSUK is made up of the four leading trade associations for the life sciences sector in the UK: Association of British Healthcare Industries (ABHI), Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the BioIndustry Association (BIA), and the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA).

Commenting on the launch, the CEOs of the four trade associations said:

“Collaborative working between industry and government is essential to create a national healthcare system that truly delivers not only the best possible outcomes for patients, but provides a fertile environment for UK businesses to advance medical technologies. We look forward to the APPG becoming a forum that will offer further opportunities for this crucial engagement.” Peter Ellingworth, CEO, ABHI

“The UK life sciences sector plays a key role in driving investment in science and health research and in developing life-changing medicines and technologies. The establishment of the APPG provides industry with an essential forum to work with parliamentarians to look at ways to improve the current ‘bed to bedside’ medicine pathway and to ensure that patients are getting access to the latest innovative treatments.” Alison Clough, Acting CEO, ABPI

“An optimal policy and fiscal environment is crucial to sustain and grow the life sciences sector to deliver health and wealth for the UK. This APPG will provide an effective forum for parliamentarians to engage with this exciting sector.” Steve Bates, CEO, BIA

“For the UK to truly become a global leader in the life sciences, then effective engagement between policy makers and life sciences industry is essential. The APPG is a vital step towards this highly achievable goal.” Doris-Ann Williams, CEO, BIVDA