Poor communication with the government has been one of the criticisms Pfizer has faced about its plans to pull out of Sandwich.

Bosses of the drugs giant were grilled by MPs on the Science and Technology Select Committee on Tuesday.

MP for Sandwich, Laura Sandys and other Kent MPs submitted written evidence for the meeting.

Ms Sandys said: "I feel that we are moving forward.

"There’s concern that there wasn’t enough communication with the government before the announcement.

"Dialogue and communication needs to be improved so it is more effective."

Dr Ruth McKernon, senior vice-president and site head at Sandwich, gave oral evidence along with other presidents of the drugs firm at the Westminster meeting.

Ms Sandys said although they are finished giving evidence, they must submit more written evidence to the inquiry.

The select committee will release its findings in the next couple of weeks.

For more on the meeting and Pfizer's response, see this week's Mercury p9.