Livingston MP Gregor Poynton has welcomed the UK Government’s recent agreement with the United States on pharmaceutical trade, describing it as “a significant win for West Lothian’s life sciences sector and the highly skilled jobs it supports.”

ExCo

The deal, announced as part of the UK–US Economic Prosperity framework, secures 0% tariffs on all UK pharmaceutical exports to the United States, strengthens access to medicines for NHS patients, and provides new certainty for UK-based manufacturers and research organisations.

Gregor Poynton said:

Gregor Poynton MP hosted a parliamentary reception in Westminster for Valneva, a major employer in his Livingston constituency.

placeholder image — Gregor Poynton MP hosted a parliamentary reception in Westminster for Valneva, a major employer in his Livingston constituency.

“This agreement is a major step forward for an area like the Livingston constituency, where life sciences and pharmaceutical manufacturing play a crucial role in our local economy.

"We have a concentration of high-value jobs, world-class research activity and advanced manufacturing sites here in West Lothian. The deal helps protect that strength and opens the door to further investment and growth.”

Livingston’s life sciences sector:

New data published alongside the announcement highlights Livingston as one of the strongest pharmaceutical clusters anywhere in the UK:

Gergor Poynton MP praised the work of Valneva in the Livingston constituency and the role life sciences play in supporting jobs and investment in West Lothian.

* 300 pharmaceutical jobs, well above the UK constituency average (174)

* 454 jobs per 100,000 working-age residents, almost double the national rate

* 3 major manufacturing sites, including vaccine production and contract manufacturing

* 6 research facilities supporting clinical trials, diagnostics and specialist R&D

* £350m direct GVA into the local economy, rising to £10.6bn when indirect and induced impact is included

* #1 in the UK for clinical trial enrolments through the Scottish Research Delivery Network

Local employers such as Valneva Scotland, MW Encap, Capital HPLC, IQVIA, Tepnel Pharma Services and DMG Biophotonics anchor a significant life sciences hub in Livingston, contributing to jobs, investment and skills across West Lothian.

Gregor Poynton added:

“The scale and quality of pharmaceutical work happening in Livingston is often overlooked, but it is vital to the local and national economy.

"This deal provides the certainty businesses need to plan ahead and reinforces the UK as a place where cutting-edge research and manufacturing can thrive. That’s good for local jobs, good for investment and good for NHS patients who will benefit from faster access to new treatments.”

The agreement also includes reforms aimed at improving patient access to innovative medicines, with the UK committing to increase investment in breakthrough treatments and strengthen early-launch pathways for new drugs.

Gregor concluded:

“West Lothian has the talent, the facilities and the international reputation to continue leading in this sector. My focus is on ensuring that this deal delivers real, long-term benefits for our community.”