UK Life Sciences Sector Urged to Enhance Competitiveness Amid Growing Global Pressure

Dame Emma Walmsley, departing chief executive of GSK, has emphasised the critical need for further improvements within the United Kingdom’s life sciences commercial environment. Speaking following the recent UK United States pharmaceutical trade agreement, Walmsley stated that a more competitive sector is essential for driving economic growth and attracting foreign direct investment.

Walmsley, who will step down at the end of the month after eight years at the helm, welcomed government moves to acknowledge the value of innovation in the commercial life sciences market. Her comments followed the announcement of a new trade deal between the UK and the United States, which saw the UK agree to increase expenditure on new medicines. In exchange, Washington will maintain zero tariffs on pharmaceutical imports into the American market.

Multinational corporations, including GSK, have voiced concerns this year regarding investment conditions in Britain, with some pausing or withdrawing planned investments. President Trump has increased pressure on pharmaceutical companies to manufacture more medicines in the United States and align prices with those seen in other developed nations such as the UK.

Walmsley said, in an interview with the BBC, that the UK must recognise it is in competition with multiple countries globally, many of whom deem life sciences a strategic industry. She argued that strengthening both commercial and scientific capabilities is vital if the UK wishes to remain an attractive destination for investment. Optimism was noted for the sector’s future, provided the pace of innovation and investment continues.

The recent UK United States trade agreement has received broad approval from industry as a positive step following a period of stagnation in a sector identified as key to the government’s industrial strategy. Opposition figures, including the Liberal Democrats, have been critical, describing the deal as overly favourable to American interests.

GSK has joined several other multinationals in announcing significant new commitments to the United States market this year. In September, GSK revealed a 30 billion dollar investment into research, development, and supply chain infrastructure in America over the next five years. This announcement coincided with President Trump’s state visit to the UK.

Despite acknowledging that the UK is unlikely to become a large domestic market, Walmsley maintains Britain could establish itself as an exporter of innovation and clinical excellence in life sciences. The government aims to raise spending on new medicines from 0.3 to 0.6 per cent of gross domestic product within the next decade, translating to a rise in overall medicines expenditure to 12 per cent of total health spending. The Department of Health expects this increased investment to position the UK as a more desirable base for clinical trials, manufacturing, and the early launch of advanced treatments.