Daniel Zeichner MP headed a high level Brexit roundtable with key life sciences sector leaders in Cambridge discussing their requests to the Government as part of its negotiations with the European Union at Cambridge Biomedical Campus “Qube”  on Friday 21 April.

Daniel Zeichner hosted the roundtable in partnership with Alzheimer’s Research UK, the UK’s leading dementia research charity, and the discussion focussed on the relationship between future migration policy and the life sciences sector. The summit resulted in recommendations and actions which Daniel Zeichner will put to Government as part of the negotiations to make sure Cambridge and the UK continue to promote a globally leading science and research sector.

Daniel Zeichner MP said: “I voted against triggering Article 50 to leave the EU because the people of Cambridge overwhelmingly voted Remain and it is in the interests of Cambridge’s thriving economy as well as the UK more generally that we foster the closest possible relationship with the EU. As part of the Government’s negotiations with EU leaders, it is vital that the life sciences sector makes ministers aware of its needs and priorities.”

Dr Matthew Norton, Director of Policy and Strategy at Alzheimer’s Research UK, who will be chairing the roundtable, said: “This was an invaluable opportunity to discuss ways in we can endeavour to protect life sciences once we leave the European Union. It is essential we have these conversations now and from the roundtable, we hope to have a defined set of actions and recommendations to achieve our collective goal of ensuring life sciences continue to thrive post-Brexit.

“A strong research sector is crucial if we are to find new treatments and preventions for dementia, our greatest medical challenge. With the ongoing negotiations around Brexit, it is crucial that dementia research is kept high on the priority list. There is a clear need for cross-party support on these issues so we can protect the future of life sciences in the UK.”