ABPI response to Queen's Speech

The Queen’s Speech has outlined the government’s legislative agenda for the coming year.

In response Richard Torbett, Chief Executive of the ABPI said:

“The response to the pandemic has shown just how critical the UK’s pharmaceutical industry is to our country’s future and the Queen’s Speech has set the ambition for the UK to lead the world in life sciences.

“New NHS legislation will provide a once-in-a-decade opportunity to embed research at the heart of the NHS. During COVID-19, we’ve seen more patients, staff and NHS sites engage in research than ever before and we need to keep this active approach and apply it across every disease.

“Investment in research and skills must support this vision. Plans to boost R&D funding and improve education and training can support our members to make the UK a life sciences superpower.”

There were a number of key announcements in the Queen’s Speech for the life sciences sector. They include:

• Continuation of the COVID-19 vaccination rollout, supported by extra funding for the NHS.
• An ambition for the UK to lead the world on life sciences, and secure jobs and investment across the country with the fastest ever increase in funding for research and a new research agency.
• Legislation to improve the quality of care in NHS, by increasing the use of technology and by bringing services closer to home.
• A Life Time Skills Guarantee which, through a new student finance system, will provide flexible access to high-quality education and training throughout people’s lives.