CBI responds to UK approval of Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine for widespread use

Lord Karan Bilimoria, CBI President, said:

“The approval of the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine represents a major breakthrough in our fightback against COVID-19. All parties deserve real credit for getting through the UK’s rigorous approvals process at speed – making it the first country in the world to hit that important milestone. After the loss of so many lives and livelihoods, it really does feel like there’s light at the end of the tunnel.

“Given the vaccine rollout will take time, three things are needed now to shore up confidence. Mass, rapid testing must be rolled out as far and wide as possible from the community to workplaces. Meanwhile, to protect people’s jobs, firms need clarity about the level of support through to March and beyond, along with transparent trigger points for exiting higher tiers and a robust, evidence-based approach for ongoing restrictions.”