BIA responds to the announcement that UK Cabinet has approved the draft Brexit deal

In response to the announcement that UK Cabinet has approved the draft Brexit deal, BIA CEO, Steve Bates, said: "We welcome this week's progress on Brexit discussions with the initial agreement between the EU and UK on a withdrawal agreement and the political agreement on the outline of a future relationship. The BIA will now monitor and inform its members of the political debate that will ensue in the finely balanced UK parliament. There is significant detail to digest and we are engaging with members and others to understand the implications of the deal for the life sciences sector, and plan to produce a detailed briefing on this next week. 

“The withdrawal agreement builds on previous draft withdrawal documents. It includes detail on people, goods on the market, medicines regulation, intellectual property, state aid rules, the Irish border and access to EU databases. 

“On the political declaration, we are initially focusing on what is meant by the future relationship mentions of, “cooperation in matters of health security in line with existing union arrangements with third countries, and in international fora.” It also includes cooperation in science and innovation. Text detailing a free trade area with “deep regulatory and customs cooperation”, mentions commitment to alignment of rules and IP protection to stimulate innovation. 

“There remains a long way to go for certainty on Brexit for life sciences businesses but this is a key step on that journey.” 

The full text of the draft deal can be viewed here

About the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA)

Established over 25 years ago at the infancy of biotechnology, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the trade association for innovative enterprises involved in UK bioscience. Members include emerging and more established bioscience companies; pharmaceutical companies; academic, research and philanthropic organisations; and service providers to the bioscience sector. The BIA represents the interests of its members to a broad section of stakeholders, from government and regulators to patient groups and the media. Our goal is to secure the UK's position as a global hub and as the best location for innovative research and commercialisation, enabling our world-leading research base to deliver healthcare solutions that can truly make a difference to people's lives.

For further information, please go to www.bioindustry.org and twitter.com/BIA_UK

Notes to editors

Contact: Ed Sexton, BIA Communications Manager [email protected] 0207 630 2196

About the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA)

Established over 25 years ago at the infancy of biotechnology, the BioIndustry Association (BIA) is the trade association for innovative enterprises involved in UK bioscience. Members include emerging and more established bioscience companies; pharmaceutical companies; academic, research and philanthropic organisations; and service providers to the bioscience sector. The BIA represents the interests of its members to a broad section of stakeholders, from government and regulators to patient groups and the media. Our goal is to secure the UK's position as a global hub and as the best location for innovative research and commercialisation, enabling our world-leading research base to deliver healthcare solutions that can truly make a difference to people's lives.

For further information, please go to www.bioindustry.org and twitter.com/BIA_UK