12 Feb
Question
Innovation: Livingston

This session dealt with government efforts to promote innovation within the Livingston constituency, highlighting existing investments and plans for future funding. The discussion touched upon both financial allocations and collaborative efforts between the UK and Scottish Governments. Key points centered around significant investments made in local biotech and life science firms, as well as strategic engagements aimed at facilitating further innovation across Scotland.

£20.4 billion

Planned research and development funding for 2025-26 nationwide.

£4 million

Investment by Merck in 2022 in Livingston.

Outcome

The outcome saw a reaffirmation of the UK Government's commitment to advancing innovation through strategic funding and collaboration efforts in Scotland, specifically within the Livingston constituency.

Key Contributions

Gregor PoyntonMP
Labour

Queried UK Government steps to support innovation in Livingston.

Chris BryantMinister for Innovation

Detailed investments in Livingston, including £88,000 to SilviBio Ltd.

Original Transcript
Gregor Poynton
Livingston
Lab
Question
UIN: 902715

2. What steps his Department is taking to support innovation in Livingston constituency.

The Minister for Data Protection and Telecoms
Chris Bryant

We have already spent £4 million on projects in my hon. Friend’s constituency, including £88,000 on SilviBio Ltd. I am very proud of the fact that we have been able to commit, in 2025-26, to a record amount of money—£20.4 billion—for research and development.

Gregor Poynton

I thank the Minister for that answer.

In the Livingston constituency, we have a number of fantastic biotech and life sciences businesses, such as Valneva, which is working on a range of vaccines, including for malaria, and as the Minister mentioned, SilviBio, which is working on sustainable alternatives to peat.

Given the failure and neglect of the Conservative Government and the SNP Scottish Government in this regard, what conversations is he having with the Scottish Government to ensure that we create an environment in which the biotech and life sciences industry can thrive in the Livingston constituency and across Scotland?

Chris Bryant

Livingston is a remarkable example of where investment can make a significant difference. I am really pleased that the chief executive of SilviBio recently received a women in innovation award for innovation in science. My hon.

Friend is absolutely right that innovation accelerator projects in Glasgow and across the whole of Scotland need the integration between the Westminster Government and the Holyrood Government to be really successful, but that is precisely what we are determined to do.

In October last year, he also had another £4 million investment in Livingston by Merck, making it one of the biggest investors in Scotland.

All content derived from official parliamentary records