Shadow Cabinet member, Darren Jones, and Matt Turmaine, Labour’s candidate for Watford, were shown around the Sigma Pharmaceuticals site in Watford on Friday [06 June].
During the visit, they discussed the importance of investment and support for growing businesses and the pharmaceutical sector both in the region and across the country.
The pharmaceutical industry brings significant value to the East of England, making up 12.3% of total manufacturing GVA (gross value added) for the region.
Labour’s Darren Jones, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury said:
“The pharmaceutical sector is big business for UK plc: employing around 66,000 people nationally and generating £21 billion across our national economy. Companies like Sigma are vital to bringing much needed investment into Watford.
“However, over the last 14 years, life sciences competitiveness has been eroded by economic instability. We know that the life sciences sector could help deliver billions of pounds of investment into our economy and transform the care patients receive in the NHS.
“This is why one of a Labour government’s first steps would be delivering economic stability to ensure that our country is a place business wants to invest in.
“Labour would create economic stability to unlock the investment we need to create jobs and build the infrastructure to rebuild our communities.
“This election is a chance to turn the page on 14 years of Conservative economic chaos and write the next chapter in our country’s history – but only if Britain votes for change.”
Matt Turmaine, Labour’s Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Watford, said:
“Watford is on the edge of London and ideally placed to play a key part of the life sciences ‘Golden Triangle’ of pharmaceutical companies and research organisations based across the region.
“The sector already offers high paid jobs to the town and local area, but there is a significant opportunity for this to grow if we provide the economic stability that businesses in this sector, and others, so desperately need. Only Labour has a plan to deliver this stability.”