Reaction to the Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper

Warwick Smith, Director General of the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA) and the British Biosimilars Association (BBA), said: “We welcome the Government’s Industrial Strategy White Paper and in particular a commitment to build on the core principles of competition, free trade and high regulatory standards, all of which are critical elements of the business environment for the UK generic medicines industry and pharmaceutical sector more widely. Within the Sector Deal for life sciences, we are pleased to see the government restate its commitment for the NHS and industry to collaborate closely, alongside the commitment to grow life sciences manufacturing.

“In particular, we are delighted to see an increase in the rate of R&D tax credit to 12% - precisely the sort of change which we sought in our submissions to government on the need to mitigate the impact of Brexit.

“More broadly, it is good to see recognition that despite the process of departing the European Union we are not leaving Europe and that close ties remain imperative. Like much of the pharmaceutical industry, we have repeatedly called for a transition period of least two years and so encourage efforts in this respect. We also note that the government will consider the Migration Advisory Committee’s recommendations, and would like to reiterate the important contribution of non-UK EEA employees to the UK generics industry. We continue to seek for the UK to remain a part of the European regulatory framework - or for there to be effective systems of mutual recognition - to ensure that no obstacles are put in the way which obstruct the efficient supply of medicines into or out of the UK in the interests of ensuring patient access to medicines.”