Merck has abruptly terminated its planned £1.3 billion research lab in London and will discontinue all discovery research operations in the UK. Citing lack of meaningful progress in life science investments and an unwelcoming business environment, the company will shift focus and ramp up investments in the US. This decision highlights growing industry concerns about the UK’s life sciences policies and potential contagion risks for global investment. Merck’s move underscores challenges facing UK biotech competitiveness amid evolving policy and market dynamics.