GSK to stop making political donations

UK drug major GlaxoSmithKline has vowed to stop using corporate funds for US political contributions in a bid to increase transparency, the  firm declared in a statement.

Company chief executive Andrew Witty also told the UK's Financial Times:  "I don't want people to have any question about our involvement in the  political process and in ensuring that health care is improved."

However, the London-based firm, which is the global number two drugmaker  by sales, will not prevent members of staff from donating individually  and will give administrative support to voluntary political action  committees, which are also allowed to make contributions. Last year,  GSK PACs donated L552,000 ($846,326) to US politicians.