Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Robin Walker and Maria Eagle

Thursday 1st December 2016 Commons Chamber

[Mr Walker]

I am grateful to my hon. Friend for arranging that very useful meeting. I will repeat what the Secretary of State has said before:

“We will always welcome those with the skills, the drive and the expertise to make our nation better still…Britain has always been one of the most tolerant and welcoming places on the face of the earth. It must and it will remain so.”

We are a global leader in scientific collaboration, and we want that to continue.

[Maria Eagle (Garston and Halewood) (Lab)]

Is it the Government’s policy to exit the European Medicines Agency at the same time as we exit the EU?

[Mr Walker]

The Government are committed to ensuring a positive outcome for life sciences and pharma as we exit the European Union. The Prime Minister has already outlined steps to make sure that we continue to back research and development. No decisions have yet been taken as to the final location of the European Medicines Agency.