Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Public Health England: Relocation to Harlow

12 July 2021 · 2 other contributors

Opened by Robert Halfon Con Harlow

NHS

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Robert Halfon raised concerns about public health england: relocation to harlow in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Public Health England's headquarters are being replaced by the UK Health Security Agency.
  • Over 370 million has been committed to the Harlow project, including 250 million spent and 120 million promised.
  • The new campus aims to improve public health facilities, stimulate economic growth, and create jobs in Harlow.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Robert Halfon Con Harlow

It is an honour to raise the need for a new public health science campus in Harlow, Essex. In September 2015, Chancellor George Osborne announced £350 million for state-of-the-art laboratories, but Public Health England's headquarters are now being replaced by the UK Health Security Agency (UK HSA). Significant funding has been committed to Harlow, with over £250 million spent so far and an additional £120 million promised. The project is mature and shovel-ready, with site demolition complete and construction poised to start this year. Three main reasons support the campus: improved public health facilities for future pandemics; strategic location within the London-Stansted-Cambridge corridor fostering collaboration with universities and companies; and substantial economic benefits for Harlow as part of the levelling-up agenda, creating 2,900 jobs and generating £80 million annually.

Other contributors (2)
  • Eleanor Laing Con Epping Forest

    Echoes support for the project in her constituency of Epping Forest.

  • Julie Marson Con Hertford and Stortford

    Highlights economic and strategic benefits extending into Hertford and Stortford, emphasising the importance of clustering within the Innovation Corridor for attracting investment.

Government Response

Jo Churchill

The Minister acknowledges the debate's relevance and commits to the establishment of a world-leading UK Health Security Agency (UK HSA) by October. She highlights Harlow's strategic location within the Innovation Corridor, near major academic centres and life science industries. The emphasis is on sustainability, scientific excellence, and collaboration between public and private sectors. Investment in Harlow includes £23 million for regeneration projects, with potential additional funding for over £100 million. The Minister underlines the importance of anchor institutions like the proposed public health hub to support local development and level-up initiatives.

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