Sir David Amess Summer Adjournment

Chris Vince Excerpts

Tuesday 22nd July 2025 Commons Chamber

[Chris Vince (Harlow) (Lab/Co-op)]

It is a huge honour to speak in the Sir David Amess summer adjournment debate. My one story about Sir David relates to a late friend of mine, Julian Ware-Lane, who was often the Labour candidate who stood against him in general elections. Sadly, many years ago Julian was diagnosed with cancer and spent long periods of time in hospital. Sir David often visited Julian in hospital to see how he was getting on, which shows us what kind of man Sir David was. On one such visit he discovered that, despite having stood for election in Southend on a number of occasions, Julian had never actually had the opportunity to visit this place. Sir David was incensed —I suppose that would be the right word—and was determined to ensure Julian had the opportunity to visit Parliament. Sadly, Julian passed away before he had that opportunity, but it goes some way to show the sort of man Sir David was. He put party politics aside when it came to humanity and I think that is really important for us all to remember. [Hon. Members: “Hear, hear.”]

I would like to take a moment to put on record my thanks to the Health Secretary for putting up with my constant lobbying on behalf of the people of Harlow for the future location of the UK Health Security Agency. I am delighted that last week he confirmed that this Labour Government will see it through, securing Harlow’s future. As the Health Secretary said last week, it is no longer a case of the Oxford-Cambridge corridor; it is the Oxford-Cambridge-Harlow corridor. I am extremely proud that it is Harlow and the people of Harlow who will be on the front line of the fight against biological warfare. However, for me it is about much more than that. It is about securing the jobs and careers of the future.

I visit schools across Harlow and the villages very week. From Purford Green to Hare Street, Pemberley to Matching Green, Jerounds to the Downs, Milwards to Harlowbury, St James’s to Holy Cross, I see the incredible potential that young people in Harlow have, and in Harlow College, Passmores academy, Sir Frederick Gibberd college, Mark Hall academy, Stewards academy and Burnt Mill academy, I see the opportunity for that potential to grow. However, for too long that potential has not always been realised. As a former teacher—have I mentioned I used to be teacher?—one of my No. 1 aims is to see that change. I know that the UK Health Security Agency will be a huge part of that, along with the investment that will come with it.

It is an exciting time for our town with this Labour Government: a clear and achievable timeline for a new Princess Alexandra hospital; more police on our streets—I taught one of them. I am pleased that, as part of the safer streets initiative, and after I brought it up in my first question in this House, this Labour Government are tackling the issue of cross-border taxi hiring; and now we have secured the jobs of the future in Harlow.

It is an exciting time for Harlow. Despite the challenges of being a new MP, as I look forward to recess I am still incredibly proud to represent my town and my community, which boasts so many great community organisations and charities: from Rainbow Services to Butterfly Effect, to Streets2Homes and Action for Family Carers—I declare an interest, because I work for both of them—and the Harlow Stroke Rehab Association.

However, I would not be ambitious for my town if I did not want even more for Harlow and the greater constituency. The Health Secretary suggested that I should start lobbying another Department, but I am sure he would recognise the challenges of mental health provision in west Essex. Speaking to my constituent Ken and his wife, Sue, while out door-knocking at the weekend in Harlow, I heard how they felt let down by the current system. I am determined that this Labour Government will address the inequality—the lack of parity—between mental health and physical health.

I am really running out of time, so on a lighter note I wish Harlow Town all the best of luck for the rest of the season. I thank my team, my family, the House staff and everyone who has helped me during my first year in this place. Being an MP remains a huge honour—I would say it is the biggest honour of my life, but if I say that, my wife might divorce me.