The Microbiology Society responds to UK Parliament’s inquiry on Antimicrobial Resistance

Posted on March 27, 2025   by Microbiology Society

The Microbiology Society has submitted evidence to the UK Parliament’s Public Accounts Committee (PAC) inquiry into antimicrobial resistance (AMR), highlighting key challenges and recommendations for strengthening the UK’s response to this growing global crisis. The Society’s response was informed by the views of its members and the wider AMR community through its ‘Knocking Out AMR’ project.

AMR is a major public health threat that undermines the effectiveness of essential medical treatments, including surgeries, cancer therapies, and organ transplants. Without urgent action, drug-resistant infections could lead to 39 million deaths globally by 2050, with healthcare costs projected to reach $900 billion annually.

While the UK has taken significant steps to address AMR through its National Action Plan (NAP), the Society’s response highlights the need for stronger accountability, sustainable financing, and greater cross-sector collaboration.

The Society’s key recommendations to the PAC inquiry include:

  • Expanding public and professional engagement to improve awareness and responsible antimicrobial use.
  • Strengthening transparency and accountability in AMR governance through clearer reporting and responsibility mechanisms.
  • Establishing long-term, sustainable funding for AMR research and intervention strategies.
  • Enhancing the ‘One Health’ approach by improving cross-sector collaboration between human, animal, and environmental health stakeholders.

The Microbiology Society is dedicated to tackling AMR through our ‘Knocking Out AMR’ project, an ambitious, bold, and extensive scheme of work aiming to promote feasible and effective solutions to AMR. Find out more on the Knocking Out AMR project page.

Professor Gordon Dougan FRS, President of the Microbiology Society, commented:

“Antimicrobial resistance is a significant threat to clinical care, and it is important that the Microbiology and the UK are at the forefront of actions to tackle it. We have the science and know-how to do this.”

Read the full response here.

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Policy