COVID-19 response: Members of Parliament
Read more about how the pandemic affected MPs’ opinions towards pharmaceutical companies operating in the UK
MP’s opinion of the sector continues to be strong
MPs continue to have a very positive view of the sector’s response to the pandemic. Nearly all MPs say the sector has handled the COVID-19 response well, and nearly eight in ten say it has handled it ‘very well’ with no change since Summer 21.
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The sector’s success with the COVID-19 vaccine forms the bedrock of positivity among MPs. Even those who report being previously critical note that they are increasingly positive given the scale of the challenge and the way they performed.
The sector’s research and development credentials are also a key part of MP’s positive opinion of the sector, noting the high levels of investment in the UK and their development of key drugs here.
I think the private sector, whilst it has, you know, motivation around profits, that makes them hungry then for research and development, and I know they spend an awful lot of money on research and development of the next drug. Labour Backbencher
I think they have some really world leading research and development of a range of drugs and treatments developed in the UK. A huge range invested and with very little certainty of any return on any individual investment. Conservative Backbencher
I think they've been absolutely brilliant, haven't they? I mean, if it wasn't for the pharmaceutical companies, we wouldn't have the vaccine, so I am usually absolutely scathing about pharmaceutical companies but I have toned it down because actually there is a lot to be said for the way they have performed over the course of the pandemic. Conservative Backbencher
It’s the pace as well as the high quality standard of what’s been produced under the most extreme of circumstances. Bearing in mind COVID has affected their work force as well. It’s to that standard point again. If you compare with…the Chinese one, or… the Russian one, we are receiving a higher quality, more effective vaccine in the UK than other countries are obliging their citizens to take. Labour Backbencher
Last modified: 20 September 2023
Last reviewed: 20 September 2023