Government To Consider Reinstating Life Sciences Minister Role

For the life science sales and research industry, Theresa May’s decision to axe the ministerial role during the last cabinet reshuffle was met with derision from some, however, this week, senior ministers will hear evidence as part of an inquiry into whether this position needs to be reinstated.

According to Pharmaphorum, a press note ahead of the meeting states how peers of the House of Lords Science and Technology Committee will examine who is responsible for delivering the goals set for the life sciences industry.

The Prime Minister, despite removing the position from cabinet, has earmarked life sciences as one of the UK’s key areas to grow for economical prosperity, and expert witnesses will also look at how the strategy that has been set out will allow the industry to flourish in the face of Brexit.

These experts include representatives from Cancer Research UK and Research Councils UK, alongside senior staff from Cambridge University and Imperial College London.

The strategy also includes a funding boost for the sciences sector, and the possibility of NHS patients getting access faster to new, groundbreaking medicines.

When previous Minister for Life Sciences George Freeman was moved to May’s policy board, responsibility for life sciences fell between the Department of Health and the renamed Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with junior health ministers and the trade minister Greg Hands dividing up the role.

The reinstatement of the role may just be a recommendation for the next cabinet re-shuffle, or the committee may find the position is unnecessary at present.