Today I was delighted to host a major summit at Number 10 on the launch of nearly £300m of investment in genomics. This is a truly landmark project, the first of its kind anywhere in the world. As I saw yesterday as I visited the Sanger Institute in Cambridge, whole genome sequencing can transform the way patients are treated, ushering in a new era of personalised care. Ultimately, this is about making genomics mainstream, with the UK aiming to be the world-leader in creating a genomic medicine service for the NHS in 2018.

Today's announcement is also really exciting for the Eastern region. Not only will the headquarters be in our region, but the Norfolk and Norwich will also play a major part, allowing local patients to be first-in-line to receive breakthrough medical treatments that can save lives. This is also fantastic news for jobs in Norfolk, with centres of excellence like the Norwich Research Park and local companies like Anglia DNA both helping to find new cures for diseases and creating the job opportunities of the future, making our area the go-to centre for research and investment in medical genomics. As part of one of the premier life science hubs in the world in the Eastern region, Norfolk is perfectly placed to reap the benefits from this global life sciences revolution. As a Norfolk MP and the new Minister for Life Sciences, I believe this is a once-in-a-generation chance for our region. Today's announcement is a crucial step along that path.

As I said on the Today programme, this is the new space race. And as the new Minister for Life Sciences, I'm proud to say it is one the UK is leading the world in.

Link:
| Interview on Radio 4's Today programme (interview at 02:46:33)

| Government announcement


Press Coverage:

FT



The Times



Daily Mail



Express



Independent



Today Programme