Labour MP Darren Jones visits Sigma’s Watford site on campaign trail

The Labour Party pledges to support community pharmacies and release much-needed resources if it comes to power

Darren Jones MP, the Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, visited Sigma Pharmaceuticals plc‘s new Watford facility on Thursday (6 June) as part of the Labour Party general election campaign.

Jones was joined by Labour’s prospective parliamentary candidate for Watford, Matt Turmaine, and a team of campaign workers.

During their visit, the Labour delegation met with the directors and founding member of Sigma, Dr Bharat Shah CBE, and discussed the importance of investment and support for growing businesses and the pharmaceutical sector both in the region and across the country.

Sigma Pharmaceuticals, which is believed to be Watford’s largest employer, noted that the pharmaceutical sector contributes a significant value to the East of England, accounting for 12.3 per cent of the region’s manufacturing gross value added (GVA).

The discussion also covered generic medicines, which help save the NHS billions of pounds over the years, as well as policy and the financial challenges currently facing the pharmaceutical industry.

Impressed by Sigma’s operations, Jones expressed Labour’s commitment to supporting community pharmacy and exploring more innovative ways of adding value to the high street pharmacy in Britain.

“We were very impressed with what Sigma has achieved for community pharmacy in the UK and were quite taken aback by the sheer size and scale of their Watford operation.

“It is a Labour party pledge to support community pharmacy and to strive for a better way of sustaining government help and releasing much-needed resources for this all-important part of the nation’s health and wellbeing,” he said.

Dr Shah welcomed the Labour team’s visit, expressing hope for better policies for local pharmacies from the next government.

He said: “It was great to have Darren, Matt and the Labour Party team pay a timely visit to our business. It is our hope that the new government will be proactive and implement serious policy decisions to meet the needs of local pharmacy and appreciate the vital role they play in the health of our nation.”

Group CEO Hatul Shah asked the Labour team numerous pertinent questions about policy and the proposed actions the party plans to implement if they come into power after the 4th of July.

Sigma’s Commercial Director, Raj Haria, demonstrated the day-to-day activities of the company and highlighted the current financial impact felt within the pharmaceutical industry.

Jones  and his team were given an extensive tour of Sigma’s new Watford facility, and witnessed the company’s advanced processes for handling, packing, and delivering medications prescribed by doctors.

Sigma highlighted that their fleet of temperature-controlled vehicles is crucial to meeting daily demands without fail.

Watford is a marginal seat, and the Labour visit is aimed at rallying local support for its prospective candidate in the constituency.