Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Life Sciences: Economic Growth

Wednesday 12 November 2025 · 4 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The Secretary of State assured support for the life sciences sector in Llanelli through the Swansea Bay city deal.
  • The Secretary of State committed to backing Conservative policies such as the patent box and full capital expensing to support the life sciences sector.
  • The Secretary of State pledged to implement the new strategy on replacing animals in science quickly and with determination.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Nia Griffith Lab Llanelli
Education Economy Science & Technology
Context

The life sciences sector is projected to grow by £41 billion across the UK by 2030 and create an additional 100,000 jobs.

Question

In Llanelli, we are eagerly watching the Swansea Bay city deal-funded Pentre Awel complex nearing completion, where it is planned that life sciences will be a central focus in partnership with universities such as Cardiff, Swansea and Trinity Saint David. What assurances can the Secretary of State give me that life sciences will be a top investment priority for this Government and help us to create the good, high-quality jobs that we want in the area?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)

My hon. Friend has my absolute assurance that backing our brilliant life sciences sector, universities and companies is a top priority for this Government. Alongside our support for the Swansea Bay city deal, which, as she says, includes life sciences and wellbeing, we have a £520 million life sciences innovative manufacturing fund, which is currently open for bids across all four nations.

Answered
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Q2 Alan Mak Con Havant
Economy Science & Technology
Context

The patent box and full capital expensing are Conservative policies introduced to back the life sciences sector, which are vital to long-term prosperity.

Question

The patent box and full capital expensing are Conservative policies introduced to back the life sciences sector, and they are absolutely vital to the country’s future long-term prosperity. Will the Secretary of State commit to protecting these policies at the Budget from a Chancellor desperate to fix the public finances with short-term cuts and fixes?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)

I absolutely support all measures that back innovation, and despite what the hon. Gentleman says, I know that the Chancellor wants to do that too. It is the innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses that create jobs and growth in this country, and we are determined to do even more, particularly in these crucial sectors for the future.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not explicitly commit to protecting specific policies but acknowledged their importance.

How: Despite What The Hon. Gentleman Says

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Q3 Ruth Jones Lab Newport West and Islwyn
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

The Government has published a new strategy to replace animals in scientific research, aiming for rapid implementation.

Question

I welcome the Government’s new strategy on replacing animals in science, which was published yesterday. Will the Secretary of State commit to enshrining the targets in the strategy in law, so that industry, campaigners and the wider public have the certainty they need that this Government will move as fast as possible to end unnecessary animal testing?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)

I am very proud of the fact that we have published the strategy, delivering on one of our crucial manifesto commitments. My hon. Friend can rest assured that patience is not one of my greatest virtues, and I want to see it implemented and delivered as quickly as possible.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not commit explicitly to enshrining targets in law but acknowledged the need for rapid implementation.

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Q4 Kit Malthouse Con North West Hampshire
Science & Technology
Context

The industry has been struggling to justify further investment due to challenges.

Question

I am chair of the all-party parliamentary group on life sciences, so I know only too well that the industry, which has hitherto been a jewel in our crown, has been struggling to justify further such investment in our economy. Could I press the Secretary of State further on her answer to my hon. Friend the Member for Havant (Alan Mak), and ask her to reassure the House that she has put in a specific, ambitious and vigorous proposal to the Treasury in advance of the Budget to recognise that the life sciences industry is taking more risks than other kinds of investors?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology (Liz Kendall)

Patience may not be my middle name, but I consider that—hopefully—specific, ambitious and vigorous are part of my character. There is no route to future growth in this country without science and technology, particularly with life sciences at the core, and I and the Minister for Science in the other place, Lord Vallance, are straining every sinew. There are challenges in our life sciences sector, but we are determined to back those world-leading companies, for British patients and for the British economy.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Secretary of State did not provide specific details about proposals put forward to the Treasury but acknowledged the importance of backing the sector.

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