AstraZeneca Cancels £450m UK Vaccine Plant Expansion Over Funding Dispute

The pharmaceutical giant cites reduced government support and an unfavorable business environment as key factors in its decision.

AstraZeneca has abandoned plans for a £450 million vaccine manufacturing facility in Speke, Merseyside, citing reduced government financial support and other factors.
The UK government initially offered £90 million in support under the previous Conservative administration, but Labour's revised offer was reduced to £78 million after reviewing the company's scaled-back R&D plans.
UK Science Minister Chris Bryant expressed disappointment, stating AstraZeneca had cut its proposed R&D investment from £150 million to £90 million, making the deal less favorable for taxpayers.
AstraZeneca reportedly described the UK's pharmaceutical environment as 'toxic,' raising concerns about drug pricing policies and the NHS's rejection of its breast cancer drug Enhertu.
The company is now considering relocating the project to France, while it recently announced a $570 million investment in Canada to expand operations and create 700 jobs.