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Major pharmaceutical firms, including MSD and AstraZeneca, have announced significant cuts to UK investments, citing poor government support, undervaluation of medicines, and an uncompetitive environment. These decisions threaten the UK’s ambitions to be a global life sciences hub, with job losses and stalled projects. The government promises to act, but industry concerns persist.
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Major pharmaceutical firms have paused or canceled over £2bn in UK investments this year amid concerns over drug pricing policies, US pressure for price parity, and a deteriorating investment climate. Industry warnings highlight risks to future drug development and supply chains.
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In October 2025, the UK government faces intense scrutiny after the Crown Prosecution Service dropped espionage charges against two men accused of spying for China. The case collapsed because the government did not provide evidence that China was a national security threat at the time of the alleged offences, a legal requirement under the Official Secrets Act 1911. Parliamentary committees have launched inquiries, and MI5 has expressed frustration over the decision amid ongoing UK-China diplomatic engagement.
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Liberia's government announced a significant increase in medicine procurement, with $10 million allocated for 2024-2025. The initiative aims to reduce drug shortages, improve accountability, and strengthen healthcare access nationwide, supported by government leadership and community involvement.
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Most Asian financial institutions remain unprepared for the security risks posed by emerging quantum computing, which could break current encryption and destabilize digital finance. Governments and banks are launching initiatives, but regional coordination and regulation lag behind technological advances, with experts warning of regional vulnerabilities within the next decade.
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The UK and US have agreed to keep import taxes on medicines at 0% for three years, aiming to boost investment, create jobs, and improve access to innovative treatments. The deal includes raising the NHS's upper threshold for new medicines by 25% and lowering drug repayment rates from 2026.