Pfizer bosses questioned by MPs

Bosses of the Pfizer drugs plant in Kent, where 2,400 jobs could be lost, are meeting MPs over the closure of its research site in Sandwich.

The managing director is among those answering questions from the Science and Technology Select Committee.

Andrew Miller, Labour MP and chairman, said it wanted to know why and how the decision to close the plant was taken.

“And to work on what’s next, not least of all for the important part of Kent that is badly affected,” he said.

The US-based drugs company announced its decision to close its research and development facility in Kent on 1 February.

‘Excitement of science’

Pfizer said the majority of staff would be made redundant over the next two years.

However, it said it hoped to transfer several hundred positions to other sites or other companies doing work for Pfizer.

Speaking ahead of the Commons select committee meeting, Mr Miller said it was “critically important for the local economy” that hi-tech jobs were maintained on the site, whether they were managed by Pfizer or a third party.

“But the broader issue is how do we expect to get youngsters involved in the excitement of science if we see companies pulling the plug in this way?

“It’s a hugely important issue for the British economy.”