Signal Over 1.5 billion pounds a year for UK biological security

Summary

According to the report, the UK government invests more than 1.5 billion pounds a year in biological security. This funding has launched new initiatives such as the National Biosurveillance Network and the Biothreats Radar. Through the National Security and Investment Act, the government has also tightened oversight of controlling stakes in UK engineering biology firms, adding a safeguard against takeover by hostile actors. Internationally, the UK is working to strengthen the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention and to build biosurveillance capability linked to the International Pathogen Surveillance Network. The report sees research and development backed by public engagement and education as driving growth in agri-food, health tech and biotech while safely unlocking social benefits.