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Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund 2025-10-22
22 October 2025
Lead MP
Kanishka Narayan
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
TaxationNorthern Ireland
Other Contributors: 14
At a Glance
Kanishka Narayan raised concerns about life sciences innovative manufacturing fund 2025-10-22 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
The Minister emphasised the importance of the life sciences sector to UK's economy and healthcare system, highlighting its role in driving jobs, investment, and innovation. He presented the Government’s plan to secure £520 million for the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, aiming to attract private investments and create over 7,000 jobs while safeguarding existing ones. The Minister also addressed concerns regarding Northern Ireland's eligibility under EU state aid rules and committed to reviewing R&D tax credits.
Jim Allister
TUV
North Antrim
Mr Allister inquired about the assurance for applications from Northern Irish manufacturers, citing concerns over EU state aid rules under the Windsor framework. He asked if there were any impediments to successful applications and their potential impact on goods transported to Northern Ireland.
Robin Swann
UUP
South Antrim
Mr Swann pressed for assurances regarding the eligibility of Northern Irish manufacturers under EU state aid rules. He also requested that the Minister ensure the support and utilization of R&D tax credits to complement the fund.
James Wild
Con
North West Norfolk
Mr Wild sought clarification on the minimum leverage required from private sector investment for every pound of taxpayers’ money allocated through the fund. He inquired about specific requirements at an individual investment level.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
Asked about the number of meetings the Secretary of State has had with life sciences companies in the past month. Criticised Labour's approach to public finances, arguing that it has made the commercial environment worse for medicines in the UK.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Welcomed the ambition behind the life sciences innovation manufacturing fund. Emphasised Labour's commitment to support cutting-edge research, turning breakthroughs into real-world results, creating jobs, improving lives across the country, and driving growth. Highlighted the importance of addressing long-standing issues such as drug pricing and NHS funding.
Sorcha Eastwood
Alliance
Lagan Valley
Asked about Northern Ireland's role in the life sciences sector. Received an acknowledgment that Northern Ireland plays a significant role and will continue to do so in the future.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central
My Committee has investigated investment decisions and found strengths in the UK life sciences sector, including skills at every stage of the ecosystem. The fund will drive growth across regions but disparities remain, especially outside the golden triangle.
South Cambridgeshire
Investment in the life science sector is crucial for economic future and national health security. Concerns over loss of planned investment by Merck MSD and AstraZeneca, with Novartis stating that the UK is becoming 'largely uninvestable'. The Government needs to fix issues like VPAG to restore confidence.
North Norfolk
Agri-science research in North Norfolk can create jobs and drive growth in the rural economy. Investment in such projects is crucial for unlocking economic potential in rural areas.
Sorcha Eastwood
Alliance
Lagan Valley
Northern Ireland has significant opportunities to play a role in life sciences, including R&D tax credits and skills development. The sector is vital for national resilience and security.
Welcomed the contributions from across the House, emphasised the importance of taking announcements in the context of the wider global context. Highlighted the strengths of Northern Ireland’s life sciences sector and mentioned positive developments such as Moderna and BioNTech's announcements for job creation. Acknowledged the point on national security and intellectual property made by Sorcha Eastwood.
South Cambridgeshire
Discussed investments related to the life sciences sector.
Asked for clarification on the global context of announcements made regarding job creation and investment.
Lagan Valley
Made an important point about national security and intellectual property in relation to the life sciences sector.
Government Response
The Minister detailed the Government's strategy to secure £520 million for the Life Sciences Innovative Manufacturing Fund, intended to attract private investments and create jobs. He addressed concerns raised by MPs about Northern Ireland’s eligibility under EU state aid rules and committed to reviewing R&D tax credits. The Government have secured over £1 billion in investment from Moderna and BioNTech despite challenges inherited from the previous Tory government. VPAG issues are being addressed with a generous offer worth approximately £1 billion over three years. The fund is part of a larger funding package across various agencies, and initial grants went to firms in Birmingham and Keele indicating an intention for regional distribution.
Shadow Response
Julia Lopez
Shadow Response
The shadow Secretary of State criticised the Government for merely uprating an existing fund rather than introducing new initiatives. She highlighted how Labour’s interventions had secured substantial private investments, such as AstraZeneca's £450 million investment in Speke and £200 million in Cambridge, which were paused under the current government due to policy changes.
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