The Government has launched its new Life Sciences Sector Plan as part of its flagship Industrial Strategy, setting out a ten-year mission to harness British science and innovation to deliver long-term economic growth and a stronger, prevention-focused NHS.
The UK is already a global leader in life sciences, with the sector worth around £100 billion to the economy, and employing around 300,000 people. This plan, developed in close coordination with the government’s 10 Year Health Plan, doubles down on that strength – turning cutting-edge research into real-world results: new treatments, faster diagnoses, and more lives saved.
The new Life Sciences Sector Plan sets out a comprehensive roadmap built around three core pillars:
- Enabling world-class R&D – strengthening the UK’s leadership in science and discovery
- Making the UK an outstanding place to start, scale and invest – growing homegrown companies and attracting global capital
- Driving health innovation and NHS reform – delivering better outcomes for patients and a more modern, preventative healthcare system
The Plan will be supported over the lifetime of the Spending Review by Government funding of over £2 billion, alongside funding from UK Research and Innovation and the National Institute for Health and Care Research. Actions include:
1. Unlocking NHS data to find new cures. Up to £600 million investment to build the world’s most advanced health data system – helping scientists develop better treatments faster
2. Speeding up clinical trials. Cutting red tape so patients can join trials sooner – and get access to life-changing medicines quicker
3. Backing British manufacturing. Up to £520 million to invest in life sciences manufacturing projects – creating high-skilled jobs and making more treatments and medical devices here at home
4. Getting new treatments to patients faster. Making regulation simpler and faster by boosting departmental support for the MHRA with additional investment – so doctors can use safe, effective innovations without delay
5. Helping doctors use cutting-edge tech. A new NHS ‘passport’ to roll out proven tools faster – like AI cancer scanners or wearable devices that detect disease early
6. Backing UK firms to grow. Helping fast-growing companies raise investment, scale up, and stay in the UK – with at least one major industry partnership secured every year.
The Plan was shaped with input from over 250 organisations including doctors, scientists, NHS leaders and industry experts to ensure it delivers real impact. It builds on the Chancellor’s commitment to reduce regulatory costs by a quarter, with increased investment in the MHRA to accelerate approvals and improve efficiency. It aims to streamline MedTech market entry through closer coordination between the MHRA and NICE.
The Government is also focused on strengthening the UK’s clinical research infrastructure by improving trial delivery, expanding patient access, and embedding research more effectively within the NHS.
Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This Life Sciences Sector Plan represents a pivotal moment in our mission to rebuild the NHS and shift our healthcare system from one that treats illness to one that prevents it. The £2 billion investment will help us make the most of our world-leading health data, speed up access to innovative treatments, and transform the experience of patients. This is how we deliver a health service fit for the future – by embracing innovation that saves lives, cuts waiting times, and makes the NHS sustainable for generations to come.”
Helen Dent, CEO of British In Vitro Diagnostic Association (BIVDA) commented: “This plan reflects the government’s understanding of the challenges facing the life sciences industry and their commitment to driving investment, growth, and innovation across the sector. Pledges which reduce the cost and streamline the adoption of diagnostics, MedTech and genomics are hugely welcome, as are measures to introduce low-friction procurement and contracting mechanisms. Ultimately, success will depend upon continued collaboration between government, industry, and the healthcare system to ensure its ambition is matched by delivery. BIVDA looks forward to supporting this process and bolstering the UK’s position as a world-leader in life sciences.”