The UK parliament’s science and technology committee plans to investigate the impact of EU rules and policy on the UK life sciences sector, with the aim of establishing which EU rules currently work well and which get in the way of innovation.
Given the global market place in which life sciences compete, regulations made at the European Union level can exert considerable influence said Nicola Blackwood MP, chair of the committee.
“Safeguards are essential, but we need to ensure that EU regulations help rather than hinder research and innovation in the life sciences,” Blackwood said.
The focus on these issues will undoubtedly sharpen as campaigning heats up ahead of the referendum on UK membership of the EU. Prime Minister David Cameron aims to conclude negotiations on new terms of membership in February. This would pave the way for a public vote before the end of June.
One of Cameron’s four stated aims is to reduce the burden of EU regulation.
The committee is calling for submissions by 4 March.
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