Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Life Sciences: Stevenage

Wednesday 16 October 2024 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Government has a clear plan for supporting the life sciences sector in Stevenage through initiatives like the cell and gene therapy catapult and skills and training laboratories.
  • The Government published an industrial strategy Green Paper to drive long-term growth and secure investment in crucial sectors including life sciences.
  • There is significant interest from companies in investing in the UK, supported by Government initiatives such as an investment summit held earlier this week.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kevin Bonavia Lab Stevenage
Science & Technology
Context

The constituency of Stevenage has a thriving life sciences community, including organisations like GSK and Autolus. Kevin Bonavia is concerned about the steps being taken to support this sector.

Question

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support the life sciences sector in Stevenage constituency?

Answer from Feryal Clark

The Government has a clear plan for supporting the life sciences sector as set out in our life sciences plan. We encourage companies to expand their footprint in Stevenage, supported by initiatives such as the cell and gene therapy catapult and skills and training laboratories.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Kevin Bonavia asked for specific steps being taken with Cabinet colleagues but only received a general statement about encouraging company expansion without concrete measures or timelines.

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Q2 Kevin Bonavia Lab Stevenage
NHS Science & Technology Business & Trade
Context

BioOrbit is building a pharmaceutical factory in space to leverage the benefits of microgravity, and GSK hosts more than 40 small and medium-sized enterprises. Kevin Bonavia wants to ensure that these companies receive all necessary support.

Question

I am proud that my constituency is a top location for life sciences companies to develop cutting-edge technologies... Does my hon. Friend agree that we need to do all we can to support innovative SMEs in the life sciences and space sectors?

Answer from Feryal Clark

Earlier this week we published the industrial strategy Green Paper to drive long-term growth, secure investment in crucial sectors including life sciences, and build an NHS that is fit for the future. We aim to renew UK's leadership in life sciences through innovation and collective partnerships.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Kevin Bonavia asked specifically about supporting innovative SMEs but received a broader statement on long-term growth strategy without addressing specific measures or commitments for SME support.

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Q3 Alison Griffiths Con Bognor Regis and Littlehampton
Business & Trade
Context

Rolls-Royce's technology and logistics centre has been successfully invested in, prompting Alison Griffiths to ask what further investment is being sought for her constituency.

Question

Following the successful investment in Rolls-Royce's technology and logistics centre... What is the Minister doing to get more investment into my Bognor Regis and Littlehampton constituency?

Answer from Feryal Clark

There is huge interest from companies in investing in the UK, supported by this Government. We held an investment summit earlier this week showing significant support for companies wishing to invest.

Not addressed: Alison Griffiths asked about specific actions being taken but received a general statement on overall government support and upcoming investments without concrete measures tailored to Bognor Regis and Littlehampton.

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