Steve Rotheram hopes to restart talks with AstraZeneca after firm scraps £450m Liverpool plans

Steve Rotheram has reacted to the news of AstreZeneca scrapping plans for a new £450m facility in Speke
-Credit:AFP via Getty Images


Steve Rotheram is hoping talks can resume with AstraZeneca following the news that the pharmaceutical company has scrapped plans for a new £450m facility in Liverpool. The company, which produced one of the Covid-19 vaccines, has an existing site on Renaissance Way, Speke and during the spring budget in March 2024, then-Chancellor Jeremy Hunt confirmed the company was set to create a new vaccine manufacturing hub at that site as part of a £650m investment in the UK.

However it announced today, January 31, that it will no longer proceed with the new site in Speke following discussions with the Government. Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, Steve Rotheram, has now confirmed he hopes to restart talks with AstraZeneca and the Government following the fallout.

He told the ECHO: "Although the Liverpool City Region is home to one of Europe's largest pharma clusters, today’s announcement is still deeply disappointing. It is important to point out that this news does not impact AstraZeneca’s existing operation in Speke, and nor is it a reflection on the brilliantly skilled workforce.

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“Liverpool City Region Combined Authority has not been party to the negotiations between Government and AstraZeneca, which have taken place over many months. However, we have worked tirelessly to develop a comprehensive package of recruitment and training support to help convince AstraZeneca that further investment was the right option.

"That work continues, and I’ll be working with the government and AstraZeneca - who have enjoyed a long and productive presence in the city region - to see if focused talks can take place. Whatever the outcome, our mission to strengthen our health and life sciences sector remains unchanged with companies like CSL Seqirus and Pharmaron already based here. Through our Life Sciences Innovation Zone programme, we’re set to create 8,000 more jobs and attract £800m in investment.

Steve Rotheram is hoping to restart talks with the pharma firm and the Government
Steve Rotheram is hoping to restart talks with the pharma firm and the Government -Credit:Liverpool Echo

“Liverpool City Region is already a powerhouse in science and research, and our ongoing support packages will ensure that we continue to grow and innovate, leading the way in tackling future global health emergencies.”

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A spokesperson for AstraZeneca told the ECHO on Friday: "Following discussions with the current Government, we are no longer pursuing our planned investment at Speke.

"Several factors have influenced this decision including the timing and reduction of the final offer compared to the previous government's proposal. The site will continue to produce and supply our flu vaccine, for patients in the UK and around the world."

Leader of the opposition for Liverpool City Council, Liberal Democrats Councillor Carl Cashman, called for a "joint delegation to parliament to demand answers from the Chancellor" following the news. In a letter sent to Cllr Liam Robinson, Leader of the City Council and Steve Rotheram, he said: "This is extremely disappointing and shows a lack of confidence from the Government in Liverpool.

"The talks between AstraZeneca and the Government must have seriously deteriorated for an investment that their CEO described as 'absolutely ready to go' to be scrapped so late in the day. This is so important for the Liverpool City Region. I am proposing that any differences we have, we put to one side and send a joint delegation to parliament to demand answers from the Chancellor.

"We should also make a strong representation to AstraZeneca. Further, l intend to call an extraordinary full council meeting of Liverpool City Council to demonstrate our shared support for the return of this investment. I hope you share my belief that an issue of this importance goes way beyond party politics. We must work together to show we are united and make the strongest possible case for our city"