Government unveils £2bn Life Sciences Plan to transform NHS

The government has unveiled a £2 billion plan to cement Britain’s position as a global leader in life sciences, promising faster treatments for patients and thousands of new jobs.

The ten-year Life Sciences Sector Plan aims to harness cutting-edge research to fuel economic growth and transform the NHS into a more prevention-focused health service. The strategy, developed alongside the 10 Year Health Plan, is built on three pillars: world-class research, backing business growth, and driving NHS reform.

Six flagship actions will kickstart the programme:

Unlocking NHS data to find new cures
Up to £600 million will fund the world’s most advanced health data system, giving scientists the tools to develop treatments faster.

Speeding up clinical trials
Streamlined rules will help patients join trials sooner and access new medicines more quickly.

Backing British manufacturing
Up to £520 million will support new life sciences manufacturing projects, creating high-skilled jobs and expanding domestic production.

Getting new treatments to patients faster
Extra funding for the medicines regulator MHRA will simplify approvals and cut delays.

Helping doctors use cutting-edge tech
An NHS “passport” will accelerate the rollout of innovations such as AI cancer scanners and wearable monitors.

Backing brilliant UK firms to grow
Support for fast-growing companies will help them secure investment and scale up, with at least one major industry partnership each year.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting said: “This Life Sciences Sector Plan represents a pivotal moment in our mission to rebuild the NHS and shift our healthcare system from one that treats illness to one that prevents it. By bringing together the brilliance of British science with the power of our NHS, we’re not just improving healthcare outcomes – we’re building a stronger economy and creating jobs across the country.”

The sector is already worth around £100 billion and employs 300,000 people, most outside London and the South East. Ministers say the plan will ensure breakthroughs happen in Britain and stay in Britain, delivering growth as well as better health outcomes.