The Prime Minister re-affirmed his support to ensure Britain remains a base for pioneering research, and innovation development and manufacturing, and promised that in future cancer patients would be diagnosed with a week. ​

Dr Richard Barker, director-general of the ABPI, said: "I welcome Government’s intent to create a positive environment which will encourage innovative companies like those within the pharmaceutical industry to continue to use Britain as a base for their pioneering research – and to go on to develop and manufacture their innovations in Britain. We also welcome his commitment to early detection and treatment for cancer patients. "

Following a summit with leaders of the pharmaceutical industry in January, Gordon Brown set up the Office for Life Sciences, a new ‘virtual’ department within Government. It published a blueprint for the life sciences industry in July which included a commitment to look at changes to the tax system to encourage innovation in the UK. The Government will publish the findings of its research before the 2009 Pre-Budget Report in November.