Staffing reductions at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency

That this House acknowledges the work and dedication of staff employed across the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA); notes that the agency plays a leading role in protecting and improving public health and supports innovations through research and development; is aware that the MHRA has three centres employing almost 1,200 staff and has numerous vital responsibilities across the health sector, including the approval and safety standards of medicines, medical devices and blood components for transfusions; applauds the tireless efforts of the staff during the covid-19 pandemic to ensure the swift approval and distribution of covid-19 vaccines, test kits and ventilators, protecting millions of lives across the UK; is alarmed to learn that the MHRA is now facing staffing reductions of up to 20 per cent despite a greatly increased workload as a result of the UK leaving the EU and the covid-19 pandemic; is concerned that fewer staff will be asked to cover more ground with fewer resources whilst operating under a pay freeze; is further concerned that any loss of expertise in this agency will lead to poor and potentially unsafe decision-making in a highly specialised field; is particularly worried about the impact of the loss of the National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, which is well-renowned as a distinct centre of excellence; and calls on the Government to intervene immediately to ensure jobs are retained and a properly funded MHRA can continue with its world-leading work in this field.