As Westminster wakes up after recess, BIVDA secured meetings with two key figures in government and opposition.
First up was Stuart Andrew, the shadow Secretary of State for Health. In a thirty-minute meeting, Mr Andrew showed a clear understanding of the role of IVDs pay in supporting a country’s health and wealth.
He confirmed that his team were looking to collate policy via a network of working parties, and invited BIVDA to contribute. He also displayed a willingness to ask questions on behalf of BIVDA within Parliament.
Next was James Murray, newly appointed Treasury Minister. Richard Lewis, CEO of FastMDx, invited Paul Fisher to join Mr Murray’s tour of his West London facility.
As well as being extremely impressed by FastMDx’s commitment to social values and their high-throughput PCR assay, we were also able to discuss issues faced by SMEs and innovators in gaining access to the NHS and government. Following the news about Merck cancelling planned significant UK investment the day before, these concerns were given extra relevance.
Paul comments: “I’d like to thank Richard and his colleagues for inviting me to join their local MP’s visit. I’d encourage any member to build relations with their local MP.
“Driving change at Westminster often required a drumbeat of activity, and when Ministers are regularly stopped by their MPs to discuss diagnostics, it makes our advocacy work so much easier. I’m always happy to provide support to members on how to access their MP or to maximise a potential visit.”
