AstraZeneca has canceled its planned £450 million investment in a vaccine manufacturing plant in Speke, Liverpool, citing protracted discussions with the UK government and a reduction in state funding. The decision marks a setback for the UK’s ambitions to strengthen domestic vaccine production. The planned facility was intended to expand AstraZeneca’s flu vaccine manufacturing capacity, but the company stated that the current site will continue operations. Despite the cancellation, AstraZeneca is shifting its focus to international investments, including a £460 million expansion in Canada to support scientific innovation and job creation. The move has raised concerns about the UK’s ability to attract and retain major pharmaceutical investments.