Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

UK Health Security Agency Porton Down 2025-05-21

21 May 2025 · 8 other contributors

Opened by John Glen Con Salisbury

NHS

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

John Glen raised concerns about uk health security agency porton down 2025-05-21 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about the lack of progress in relocating the UK Health Security Agency from Porton Down to Harlow
  • No formal reports or accounts have been published by UKHSA or the Department for Health and Social Care on the programme's state
  • The National Audit Office report highlights delays and issues at the Harlow site since 2015

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

John Glen Con Salisbury

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to bring the future of the UK Health Security Agency campus at Porton Down, in my Salisbury constituency, before the House again this evening. In one sense, a lot has happened in the past 15 years, but sadly, nothing has happened regarding relocating the institution to Harlow. The project is no closer to completion and workers have been given no assurances they can stay at Porton Down. I raised concerns about uncertainty for highly skilled workers and residents in adjacent constituencies. Two months ago, the Secretary of State acknowledged this issue has been running long without resolution. Neither UKHSA nor the Department for Health and Social Care have published an account or formal reports on the programme's state. The National Audit Office report highlights delays and issues at Harlow site. Since 2015, no briefings have been offered on Porton’s future despite a sixfold increase in costs. I seek clarity on financial obligations of the programme.

Other contributors (8)
  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Replacing and modernising UKHSA facilities is crucial to ensure the UK has capabilities to identify, study and respond to dangerous pathogens.

  • Chris Vince Lab/Co-op Harlow

    Both constituencies are in limbo regarding decision on whether there will be a move or not.

  • Richard Foord LD Honiton and Sidmouth

    The co-location of DSTL and UKHSA at Porton is important, as it allows for sharing category 4 facilities to mitigate costs.

  • Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

    As Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, I gave a clear steer that the move did not represent value for money. Concerns raised by Ministers appear to have been ignored.

  • Lauren Sullivan Lab Gravesham

    Visiting Porton Down showed dedication of scientists and need for renovation to secure jobs and support research.

  • Chris Vince Con Harlow

    The hon. Member for Harlow, Chris Vince, briefly supported the potential benefits of the Harlow site and its strong infrastructure and travel links.

  • Sullivan

    My hon. Friend Dr Sullivan urged the Minister to take into account the multidisciplinary roles involved in the jobs at Porton Down when making decisions.

  • Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

    The right hon. Member for North East Cambridgeshire, Steve Barclay, asked about the current provision for this scheme in the budget over the next three years and questioned affordability.

Government Response

Title not specified in transcript

No direct ministerial response was provided within the given text. The debate focused on concerns about the lack of progress in relocating UK Health Security Agency from Porton Down to Harlow, cost overruns, and uncertainties for workers and facilities. The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, Ashley Dalton, acknowledged the importance of Porton Down laboratory, emphasising its critical role in vaccine development and diagnostics. She highlighted the ongoing work to assess options for securing facilities required for specialist functions and services. The Minister assured that extensive discussions are taking place between UKHSA, the Department of Health and Social Care, and HM Treasury to inform a decision. Dalton confirmed that decisions will be taken as part of the spending review, which is due to conclude next month. She noted that £38.1 million has been allocated for capital investment in recent spending reviews. The Minister committed to ensuring that staff at Porton Down are consulted fully, and she assured colleagues across the House about the importance of the work conducted there.

Get updates like this by email
▸ Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy