Jonathan Ashworth responds to the decision to relocate the European Medicines Agency away from London

Jonathan
Ashworth MP, Labour’s Shadow Health Secretary, responding to the European Council’s decision to
relocate the European Medicines Agency from London to Amsterdam, said:

“This decision is extremely
disappointing. Labour has been clear all along that Britain should seek to
maintain membership of the European Medicines Agency.

“Not only
will this relocation see the loss of almost 900 jobs from London, but Britain’s
reputation as a world leader in the life sciences is under serious threat and
patients will likely suffer from longer waits for new medicines.

“Ministers
must urgently reassure the House that the UK will not become a second-tier
market as a result of their reckless handling of Brexit, and that the best
possible deal for patients and staff remains at the forefront of negotiations.”