Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Jane Ellison and Margaret Greenwood

Tuesday 9th February 2016 Commons Chamber

[Jane Ellison]

I very much welcome the fact that my hon. Friend is becoming a real champion of this important international and national agenda. I am aware of the important work of the charity he mentions, and I believe it has already had some contact with the Department. I do not make the decisions on these sorts of funding issues, but I am happy to look at the issue he mentions and to meet him to discuss it.

[Margaret Greenwood (Wirral West) (Lab)]

UK health and medical research projects benefit hugely from European Union funding, with the UK at the top of the table for approved grants. That funding is vital if we are to tackle global health challenges such as resistance to antibiotics. Does the Minister accept that pulling Britain out of the EU may have a detrimental impact on the UK’s role as a world leader in health research and development?

[Jane Ellison]

I reassure the House that the vital funds mentioned by the hon. Lady are protected in the spending review.