Iona James

The Secretary of State for Health and Social Care has committed to supporting the Government’s growth mission by improving the health of the nation.

The General Election has brought a new ministerial team to the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC) and with it a rejigging of responsibilities.

On 10 June 2024, the Liberal Democrats became the first of the major political parties in the UK to launch their election manifesto. The manifesto emphasised their approach to health and social care, advocating for significant reform to ensure an equal and high-quality healthcare system for all.

In an era marked by unprecedented advances in technology, the intersection of AI, healthcare, and life sciences has paved the way for improved medical practice, research, and patient care. From predictive diagnostics to personalized treatment plans, AI is revolutionising how healthcare is delivered and experienced in the UK.

On 30 January 2024, Wes Streeting MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, and Peter Kyle MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, launched Labour’s new Life Sciences Strategy at Stevenage Bioscience Catalyst. The new plan seeks to reform and modernise the NHS as well as capture the economic potential in the life sciences sector, supporting one of Labour’s key missions for the UK to have the highest sustained growth in the G7.

The UK’s political parties held their annual Party Conferences in September and October this year. They provided an opportunity to promote their policies and outline their respective political agendas ahead of the upcoming general election.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has agreed to a deal for millions of life-saving vaccines to be produced in the UK if a future influenza pandemic is ever declared.