Business of the House Debate

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Department: Leader of the House

Business of the House

John Glen Excerpts
Thursday 13th March 2025

(1 month ago)

Commons Chamber
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Lucy Powell Portrait Lucy Powell
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And to yours, too, Mr Speaker—we are very well connected in our region in that regard.

My hon. Friend is absolutely right: canals not only provide the blue space that many of our towns and city centres need, but offer tourist attractions and many other assets. We should support the work of the Canal & River Trust.

John Glen Portrait John Glen (Salisbury) (Con)
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Many valued public servants work at Porton Down in my constituency. It was home to the Health Protection Agency when I first became an MP, then to Public Health England and then the UK Health Security Agency. In 2015, the decision was made to establish a new facility in Essex. I have been applying and will continue to apply for an Adjournment debate, but we could really do with a statement from a Health Minister on the future of the UK Health Security Agency, which is a vital facility for this country. My constituents need to know what is happening with it.

Lucy Powell Portrait Lucy Powell
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I am sorry that the right hon. Gentleman has not yet been successful in applying for an Adjournment debate, but the hon. Member for Harrow East (Bob Blackman), who chairs the Backbench Business Committee, and Mr Speaker are both in their places and have, I am sure, heard his plea. The future of the UK Health Security Agency, which does great work, is of national importance. I will ensure that he gets an update at the earliest opportunity.