McDonnell and Corbyn called for protection for pharmaceuticals in 2014

Shadow chancellor and Labour leader, who are proposing to scrap research tax relief for industry, had sponsored early day motion

Jeremy Corbyn and John McDonnell jointly called for the UK to remain "a world leader" in pharmaceuticals research two years ago, it has emerged, a day after a plan by the pair to crack down on tax relief for innovation relating to the industry was unveiled.

An early day motion in April 2014 by Corbyn and McDonnell, then backbenchers, sponsored by three other MPs, called on the government to "protect employment and skills" within UK pharmaceuticals.