Rotheram ‘deeply disappointed’ as AZ pulls £450m Speke plan
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca cited a lack of government support as the reason for cancelling its plans.
The current Labour government significantly reduced the offer of state support originally proffered by the Conservatives for the £450m vaccine facility, according to AstraZeneca.
A spokesperson for the firm said: “Following discussions with the current government, we are no longer pursuing our planned investment at Speke.
“Several factors have influenced this decision including the timing and reduction of the final offer compared to the previous government’s proposal.
“The site will continue to produce and supply our flu vaccine, for patients in the UK and around the world.”
The news comes just two days after Mayor of the Liverpool City Region Steve Rotheram praised chancellor Rachel Reeves for “smashing through the barriers to growth”.
Since Friday’s announcement, The Financial Times has reported that AstraZeneca rejected £80m of government funding for the facility last week and that other factors – including that the NHS rejecting one of AZ’s drugs – may have had a bearing on the decision.
Back in March, Rotheram described AstraZeneca’s planned investment as a “vote of confidence” in the city region’s efforts to build its health and life sciences sector.
He described the U-turn as “deeply disappointing”.
“Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has not been party to the negotiations between government and AstraZeneca, which have taken place over many months,” he said.
“However, we have worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive package of recruitment and training support to help convince AstraZeneca that further investment was the right option.”
While the scheme now seems dead in the water, the mayor is not giving up hope and remains determined to plough the city region’s life sciences furrow.
“I’ll be working with the government and AstraZeneca – who have enjoyed a long and productive presence in the city region – to see if focused talks can take place,” Rotheram said.
“Whatever the outcome, our mission to strengthen our health and life sciences sector remains unchanged.
“Liverpool City Region is already a powerhouse in science and research, and our ongoing support packages will ensure that we continue to grow and innovate, leading the way in tackling future global health emergencies.”
Rotheram also pointed out AstraZeneca’s decision would not impact the firm’s existing operation in Speke.
