THIS week has been dominated by two big debates in Parliament with major implications for this constituency.
Discussions about moving significant elements of PHE, Porton to Harlow have been ongoing for four years and I look forward to finally getting answers to some of the questions that I think have been inadequately addressed in the outline business case.
I met with the Life Sciences Minister this week to discuss widespread anxiety about the loss of a world class facility from this region and he has agreed to meet with interested parties in due course.
I have written to every member of the Public Health England board and spoken to numerous members of the local scientific community. I am hearing a great deal of concern about whether the precious international relationships and contracts founded on the Porton Down reputation will transfer successfully to Harlow.
Moving seems to me to be an enormous risk with no proven benefits to PHE.
I have said all along that my interests are not parochial but as I yet I am not persuaded that PHE have conclusively demonstrated that the gains from moving would outweigh the losses.
This week also sees an important debate about football governance. Salisbury City’s plight is well documented and the causes are complex.
However, they are far from the only club to have gone down this route.
In my opinion, this raises valid questions about whether stronger oversight and clearer guidance could help to avert such crises – by addressing clubs’ indebtedness sooner, by applying more stringent fit and proper person tests or by proactively assisting first-time directors to navigate the minefield of conflicting obligations and regulations.
My concern is for the hundreds of fans who have spent a great deal of time and money supporting their club and who have, through no fault of their own, been badly let down.
I also look forward to helping to open Salisbury’s Craft and Heritage Fair.
A great deal of work has gone into putting together a high-quality event that is truly reflective of the vibrancy and calibre of Salisbury’s cultural life.
I hope it will be a resounding success.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article