Science Minister Patrick Vallance visited Slough today to confirm a £500m joint funding drive between the Government and pharmaceutical company UCB. Lord Vallance toured the company’s Bath Road research and development laboratories, where UCB investigates treatments for life-limiting diseases and illnesses. He stepped down from the role in 2023 and became Science Minister in 2024. Chancellor Rachel Reeves said the investment was a ‘vote of confidence in Britain’s world-class life sciences sector’ and would ‘help drive the growth that keeps Britain competitive’. Science and Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall said: “This landmark investment is further proof of the strength of the UK's life sciences sector.

Source: Express January 21, 2026 17:00 UTC