Osborne's pledge on jobs at AstraZenica

George Osborne has insisted securing British jobs is the Government's "sole interest" amid calls for ministers to intervene over US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer's takeover bid for AstraZeneca.

The Chancellor, who is MP for Tatton in Cheshire, said he would back "any arrangement that delivers" for the UK.

The comments came after it was announced that MPs are to question senior executives from Pfizer over its £63 billion offer for the UK-based firm, which employs 2,000 people near Macclesfield.

The Business, Innovation and Skills Committee will also question officials from AstraZeneca, which has so far rejected the overtures.

The committee is likely to seek assurances from the US firm about job security if the takeover goes ahead.

Unions have called for an urgent meeting with Business Secretary Vince Cable to press the case for jobs, amid speculation that Pfizer could be planning to make a hostile bid.