UK Invests £1bn in Biosecurity Centre Upgrade

The UK government has announced a £1 billion investment to upgrade and redevelop the National Biosecurity Centre at Weybridge, Surrey, aiming to boost the nation's preparedness for high-risk animal diseases and future pandemics. This move follows National Audit Office warnings about the risk of site failure and insufficient readiness for major outbreaks, which threaten public health, food security, and the economy. The new facility, expected to be fully operational by 2033/34, will form part of a national network of laboratories countering biological threats, including those posed by hostile nations. Approximately 60% of all known human infectious diseases are zoonotic, with 75% of emerging infectious diseases originating in animals, highlighting the need for robust biosecurity. Scientists at the Animal and Plant Health Agency will gain access to modern, fit-for-purpose facilities. Some critics caution that the current funding may not be sufficient to fully complete the project or ensure timely delivery.