Salisbury MP to keep searching for answer on Porton Down future
A planned move of the UKHSA to Essex has dragged out for more than a decade
The UK Health and Security Agency's (UKHSA) future at Porton Down in South Wiltshire remains undecided after the Chancellor refused to give clarity over a proposed switch to Harlow in Essex.
The site, which is near Salisbury, has had an uncertain future for more than a decade as plans for the move east have dragged on, with costs ballooning to six times their initial projections.
Salisbury MP John Glen says he's "very disappointed" by the lack of action taken during Wednesday's Spending Review, where a decision had been expected.
He asked the Chancellor in Parliament on Wednesday: "What is happening with the future of UKHSA at Porton Down?
Is it going to move to Harlow at massive expense or can we save some money and use that money for better investment in our public estate?"
Rachel Reeves replied: "We've made the allocation to the Department of Health of £29 billion annual uplift and it'll be up to the Secretary of State to allocate that money. But I will make sure that he's heard your question and gets a proper reply to you."
Mr Glen told Greatest Hits Radio: "It's very disappointing that the chancellor hasn't taken the opportunity to save some money, invest at Porton, rather than moving to Harlow, and stand by the superb scientists who do so much wonderful work at Porton Down."
He insists he will continue pressing for an answer: "She referred me to the health secretary (Wes Streeting), who has been given the money and he's got to decide what to do with it. So I should be taking this up with him.
We've contacted the Department for Health and Social Care for further comment.