Commons Sense

House of Commons · Written Ministerial Statement

National security investment

17 July 2025 · Department of Health and Social Care

Proposed by Wes Streeting Lab Ilford North

EconomyEmploymentNHS

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

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At a glance

Key points

  • The Government confirms the construction of a new health security campus in Harlow, Essex to replace UK Health Security Agency's facilities in Colindale and Porton Down.
  • The proposed action includes a multi-billion-pound investment programme, starting with 250m over this Parliament.
  • The facility is set to enhance pandemic preparedness and economic growth, creating 1,600 high-skilled jobs and is scheduled to be operational by 2038.

Issue summary

The Government confirms the construction of a new health security campus in Harlow, Essex to replace UK Health Security Agency’s facilities in Colindale and Porton Down.

Action requested

The Government will proceed with a multi-billion-pound investment programme, starting with £250m over this Parliament. The facility is set to enhance pandemic preparedness and economic growth, creating 1,600 high-skilled jobs. It will be operational by 2038.

Key facts

  • Government confirms the construction of a new health security campus in Harlow.
  • This replaces UK Health Security Agency’s facilities in Colindale and Porton Down.
  • Investment is multi-billion-pound, with £250m over this Parliament to kickstart delivery.
  • Facility will strengthen pandemic preparedness, reinforce national security, and provide world-leading capability for health hazards detection and response.
  • Estimated creation of 1,600 high-skilled jobs.
  • Phased occupation starting mid-2030s with full operational capacity by 2038.
  • Dual running period between existing sites and Harlow site to ensure safe transition.
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