Written question asked by Andrew Snowden (Conservative) on Friday, 10 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 (named day). It was answered by Kanishka Narayan (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Life Sciences: Investment

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's joint press release entitled UK life sciences attracts £3bn investment, creating jobs and faster patient treatments, published on 9 July 2026, what steps she is taking to ensure the life sciences roles created by the Life Sciences Sector Plan are filled by (i) British scientists and (ii) graduates of British universities.

Answer: The recently published Life Sciences Jobs Plan (9 July 2026) sets out how government, industry, and partners across the UK will work together to give the sector the skilled domestic workforce it needs to fill an estimated 66,000 additional jobs in priority occupations by 2035. The Plan strengthens the UK talent pipeline through apprenticeships, T Levels, new V Levels, outreach, careers awareness, and support for SMEs. It also recognises that graduate pathways are fundamental, working with universities and industry to sustain them.

Secondary information