Government launches £250m life sciences lab

A new life sciences laboratory is to be built at St Pancras in London, prime minister Gordon Brown announced yesterday (March 25th).

Some £250 million of investment will go towards the facility as part of its New Industry, New Jobs - One Year On strategy, which aims to boost employment in sectors such as biosciences.

Entitled the UK Centre for Medical Research and Innovation, the structure is a collaboration between the Wellcome Trust, Cancer Research UK, University College London and the Medical Research Council.

Commenting on the move, Mr Brown said it "will inspire a new generation of scientists" and proves his party's commitment to these industries.

He remarked: "This unparalleled collaboration between four globally recognised research institutions will help secure Britain's status as a world-leading destination for medical research."

Andrew Jack, writing for the Financial Times, described GlaxoSmithKline as the dominant force in the UK life sciences market, adding it is a "significant employer" in the country.