Written by Gary Sambrook, Managing Partner at Walk Through Walls.
The All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for Life Sciences is a vital force in promoting the UK’s world-leading life sciences sector, a cornerstone of our nation’s health and economic prosperity. For those unfamiliar, APPGs are informal, cross-party groups of MPs and peers united by a shared interest, in this case, advancing the life sciences. They’re not official parliamentary bodies but serve as platforms for discussion, raising awareness, and influencing policy through events, reports, and engagement with stakeholders. The APPG for Life Sciences, in particular, shines a spotlight on an industry that drives cutting-edge treatments, creates jobs, and bolsters the NHS. As we celebrate West Midlands Life Sciences Week, it’s the perfect time to unpack their work and its relevance to our region’s thriving biotech hub.
At the helm of the APPG is Kit Malthouse MP, the Conservative MP for North West Hampshire, who brings a wealth of experience as Chair. A member of the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, Malthouse is a vocal advocate for innovation, ensuring the group’s priorities align with national goals. Alongside him are officers Baroness Morgan of Drefelin (Labour), a House of Lords peer with a storied background as former Chief Executive of Breast Cancer Now; Pippa Heylings MP (Liberal Democrats), the South Cambridgeshire MP and Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Energy Security and Net Zero; and Sadik Al-Hassan MP (Labour), a community pharmacist and North Somerset MP who also serves as vice-Chair of the Pharmacy APPG. This diverse leadership reflects the sector’s broad impact, from research to patient care.
The APPG’s work centres on fostering dialogue between parliamentarians, industry leaders, and charities to address key challenges and opportunities. In October 2024, they held their Inaugural General Meeting in Portcullis House, a pivotal moment to confirm the group’s leadership and set its 2025 agenda. The meeting focused on priority areas like accelerating research, improving access to therapies, and supporting the UK’s life sciences ecosystem. Such events are crucial for aligning stakeholders and ensuring the sector’s voice is heard in Westminster. While specific policy outcomes from this meeting are still emerging, the APPG has a track record of hosting topical events that shape government thinking, such as roundtables on gene therapies and diagnostics.
Influencing policy is at the core of the APPG’s mission. By engaging with ministers, civil servants, and regulators, the group advocates for measures to strengthen the life sciences sector, from R&D tax credits to streamlined clinical trial processes. Their work complements initiatives like the UK’s Life Sciences Vision, which aims to make the UK a global leader in health innovation. For the West Midlands, home to world-class universities and biotech firms, this advocacy translates into policies that support local growth, attract investment, and create high-skill jobs.
The APPG’s Secretariat, a powerhouse of expertise, underpins its activities. Comprising the BioIndustry Association (BIA), Association of Medical Research Charities (AMRC), British Heart Foundation, Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), British In Vitro Diagnostic Association (BIVDA), Academy of Medical Sciences, Cancer Research UK, and Versus Arthritis, the Secretariat reflects the sector’s diversity. These organisations provide strategic support, from organising events to drafting reports, ensuring the APPG’s work is grounded in evidence and industry insight.
Beyond the Secretariat, the APPG engages with a wide array of businesses, from global pharmaceutical giants to nimble biotech startups. This collaboration ensures policies reflect the needs of both established players and emerging innovators, many of whom are based in the West Midlands. By fostering these connections, the APPG helps create a supportive environment for companies driving breakthroughs in areas like precision medicine and diagnostics.
As West Midlands Life Sciences Week celebrates our region’s contributions, the APPG for Life Sciences stands as a vital ally. Through its leadership, events, and advocacy, it ensures the UK remains at the forefront of global health innovation, with tangible benefits for our local economy and patients nationwide.
