A meeting has been secured with a top government official about creating a life sciences cluster at the GlaxoSmithKline Site in Ulverston.

Simon Fell, the MP for Barrow and Furness, has secured a meeting with the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Michelle Donelan MP to discuss creating the job-boosting idea.

The secretary of state published “The UK Science and Technology Framework”, which sets out the Government’s goals and vision for science and technology until 2030.

Mr Fell said: “I warmly welcome this statement… and the £370 million deposit towards turning the UK into a science superpower is welcome.  

“My constituents will be glad to hear it, as we are trying to get the Ulverston life sciences cluster off the ground. Will the Secretary of State agree to meet me and the GSK taskforce to see how it can best engage with the strategy and take it forward?” 

Michelle Donelan MP replied to confirm that she is prepared to meet with the Furness MP, who chairs the GSK Taskforce.  

The Secretary of State said: “I would be delighted to meet my honourable Friend to discuss what is happening in his constituency.  

“I think it will improve his constituents’ lives with more jobs and better paid jobs, but it will also improve the lives of all our constituents. This is how we drive forward our economy, how we grow our economy, how we create better paid jobs, how we improve our healthcare and how we tackle climate change. My constituents are asking me for all those things, and it is this Government who are delivering this proactive, outcomes-based approach.” 

Mr Fell chairs the GSK Taskforce which is pulling together a masterplan for Ulverston including a three phase improvement to the leisure centre and seeking a life sciences cluster at the GSK site on North Lonsdale Road. 

Mr Fell said: “As chair of the GSK Taskforce, we’re working together to bring an improved leisure centre for Ulverston, and a life sciences cluster for well paid jobs and job security for the Ulverston community. 

“Local people will be well aware that I have long since campaigned to secure a lasting, positive legacy for the site, and I’m delighted to secure a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss Ulverston and bringing a life sciences cluster to our town.”