Several events relevant to UK pharma have occurred recently. Here’s a look.
Several events relevant to UK pharma have occurred recently:
Fri, Oct 11 – The UK Bioindustry Association (BIA) hosted a new webinar in its series of webinar and events relating to the implications of Brexit, in all forms, on the industry. Tim Sarson, Partner, Brexit and Value Chain Management KPMG presented an analysis of the significant disruptions that might occur in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
Fri, Oct 11 - BBC reported that the aerospace, automotive, chemicals, food and drink and pharmaceutical sectors sent a letter to the UK government - specifically to Brexit Secretary Steve Barclay and the Cabinet Officer minister, Michael Grove - to express the groups concern that Johnson’s plans for post-Brexit trading agreements could be a “serious risk to manufacturing competitiveness.” BBC reported that in excerpts of the letters they had seen, “the group is asking for a “reassurance” that industry interests are still being prioritized by EU negotiators.” This is the first time these bodies “have directly expressed to government their joint concern about a possible Brexit deal, after mostly supporting Theresa May’s negotiated proposal.”
Fri, Oct 11 – Sky News reported the UK government signed an £87m ferry contract that would provide capacity for an additional 3,000 heavy goods vehicles (HGVs) per week in the event of a no-deal Brexit. The contract is with four ferry companies that use eight ports other than the Dover-Calais short straits route across the English Channel. The question of additional ferry capacity is of importance to the pharma industry because the Dover port has more traffic than the other crossings combined. Designed for RORO (Roll On/Roll Off) freight, there is inadequate space for trucks to stop for inspection at the facility. Steve Bates, CEO of BIA suggests one essential step to Brexit readiness is the mapping of the supply chain to identify potential sticking points, then taking necessary precautions to keep the chain intact.
Mon, Oct 14 – The Queen’s Speech to Parliament included the intention to withdraw from the EU. It included an immigration bill ending free movement. Any limitation on free movement has the potential to impact the pharma industry since the freedom to live and work in any country in the EU has made it possible for talent from one country to work without restriction in any other country. This bill could cause impose a serious limitation on the talent pool available to the UK pharma industry.
