Interview with Harlow MP Chris Vince: On health, hospitals, housing, policing and education….
Chris Vince / Wed 28th May 2025 at 11:05am
IT has been a little while since we have interviewed Harlow’s Labour MP Chris Vince so we had quite a few subjects to cover.

In this far ranging thirteen minute interview, we covered the following subjects:
Intro: Education
2.30: UK Health and Security Agency (UKHSA)
4.30: Princess Alexandra Hospital
6.00: Harlow Police Station and police numbers.
8.15: Redstone House
10.00: Recent Mark Hall By-election defeat and national issues
This was a golden opportunity to ask his views on the Labour reforms to benefits, in particular PIP. If these cuts go ahead, it will have a devastating impact nationally, but also on Harlow residents that may have voted for him!
Still pushing his nonsense about police finances. Here are two links which set out the situation: https://www.essex.pfcc.police.uk/news/pfcc-and-essex-police-forced-to-reduce-staff-numbers-cut-all-pcsos-and-request-the-maximum-precept-increase-following-inadequate-government-funding-settlement https://essex.pfcc.police.uk/news/pfcc-announces-plan-to-save-essex-pcsos-after-additional-funding
Thirteen and a half minutes that I will never get back. Everyone he stood by before and during the election (pensioners, farmers, waspi women) he's turned on and voted against them. Mr Vince is to busy representing Labour and himself to consider Harlow and his voting record supports this.
Vince's remark at 3:10 onwards about the difficultly of building around the existing UKHSA Porton Down site shows he must have been half asleep if he ever visited the place. I've driven around both the UKHSA and DSTL biological weapons sites at Porton Down and there is plenty of land to build on. These laboratories were built in the middle of nowhere for obvious reasons.
Next month sees the Department of Health and Social Care financial accounts for 2024-25 published. For the year 2023-24 just £1.06 million was spent on the New PAH. The combined total spent on the new hospital up until the end of financial year 2023-24 was £11.4 million. Total spend evidence is at https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2024-10-17/9853/
You did not need to interview him. He backs whatever Kier Starmer says.
Did I hear him say something about debating skills? Mind you I wasn't too impressed with his use of, "you knows" on every subject. Who knew? The editor? What I do know is he voted on everything that goes against most of what I believe in sadly. Attlee and Nye would be turning in their graves at some of the things he and his government is doing to the ill, disabled, young and old.
Please stop reminding us, on every occasion that you were a teacher. We all know that by now. Stop speaking like a headmaster, and speak like someone who was elected to be the MP for this town, and start to show results for all the "buzz" statements and words that you use, as not much seems be have been achieved so far!
The question is does Mr vince support 4000 extra pensioner deaths due to the cold this next winter.If not what's the differance between last year and this?And I saw this man electioneering in mark hall where I live and I must say I was totally ellated when this rag bag labour shower got chucked out.Green shoots of recovery great trade deals yeah right ,nothing but b/s.
Chris Vince is clearly a one term only MP. Very mediocre to put it mildly and nothing more than a Starmer puppet. According recent polls by Electoral Calculos, who are pretty reliable and accurate, Labour is now in third place in the Harlow Constituency behind Reform UK and the Conservatives. The Mark Hall by-election result is fully consistent with this.
Perhaps I could apply for the job of MP. I think parliament is petrified of me. I would need a secretary.my spelling is awful. But I have already shaken the foundations of west minster 4 times. And I think I know enough about policy and politics to avoid whip pressure. To be honest Chris is lovely man , but far too soft. I am happy to swap with him. Would you back me guys. How do you become an MP if you have a long term disability. I would love to meet you two. I would definitely steamroll through actions for Harlow. I would be whipping them into shape.And as you have found out .I know alot. And as I have seen you definitely have been using my suggestions and ideas. I scooted round Glaxo last week to. It's a wastelamd.I took a couple of photos. Also I had the bright idea as usual to talk to the locals. But I am old school labour at heart. I have definitely put myself out there. I won't be pushed around. I am a woman of my words and I think I would have the support of unions. I am kind insightful and knowledgeable .Am a ballbreaker. I am a very happy to give my 200 percent attention.To all the services and unions. What do you think guys. You have heard what I have said.I would answer emails have person to person surgeries. I wouldn't just listen I would act. Harlow would be a great place to live with decent staff, people and pavements.most of all it would have a rebuilt hospital that we could be proud of with a nursing school.Free parking alot of it and most importantly,we could have something to be proud of.For once. David could do the accounts and I certainly would not shame us.x Let me know I am hear all day. We have alot of trusts that would benefit from funding that I would beat out of the chancellor. And I would have council houses and apprenticeships.So that all the kids and adults could learn at school as part of the curriculum. And computer lessons. So that we don't fall behind in the technology jump. I will have a GMB style. We have sadly been let down by the bullies at Westminster. I would freeze the pension age. We paid Into.And they have stolen from us. Theft is a crime you know I would have a stern approach to scammers. I hope you men enjoyed my ideas.Good aren't they.!! It's a shame you didn't attend the Novo lounge charity bingo I bought a spare ticket.Nobody turned up well ❤️🩹. Well I did. With the community and the people that really cared showed up. I had a great time.The staff were fantastic,I love them for helping to raise a bit of money for Parenthood. To give Marika a feeling that we cared. I don't think they heard my voice. Everyone joined in,now that is what community support is.Enough said.Welldone.x
Fortunately,I am very kind and supportive of my local MP.If anything should happen to me men and women who are not so kind would take my place. I support help the aged men and women's rights, children who are manipulated by the system,the armed forces who are also manipulated and give their lives for this country. I also support the citizens advice bureau and disability rights.The right to be able to live a normal life without being made to behave like second class citizens. Also I fully support the right to have PAH rebuilt. The right to live in your home without the threat of eviction,or bedroom tax,the right to live without the threat of violence. To be born into a world without violence or being scammed out of your money. The right to protect your community,the right to the free services education and really affordable housing. The right to be warm,watered,and live in home that is fit for purpose. The distribution of wealth,the right to have leisure time,the right not to be bullied. I have written to the speaker of the house,the commons,the house of lords stating my feelings,and the human rights act which I do not feel is being observed. The harm to the environment is another issue that I care about. The selling off of our towns is another to Yuppies is another. Homelessness is another. These things are to me are essential and no negotiation. A right to have the best building regulations not the cheapest. The right to be able to walk on pavements without being seriously maimed. The right to drive on decent roads The right to decent working conditions.The right to be able to provide for your families.The right to a decent care system. The right for medical care that is tested and caused you no side effects. The right to live a normal life without it impacting on your health And wellbeing. The right to be human and the right not to be taxed out of your life. Is that succinct enough or do I have to put it in simpler English. I explore the way Marika Opera from Parenthood.Who has gone out of her way to provide a caring environment has been gazumped by developers. Our community spaces are a lifeline for supporting children,their parents and our friends. Work on that David. That will keep you busy for a while. Leave Chris Vince alone.Donnot divert the issues that are important. He obviously feels overwhelmed and finds it difficult to express himself.That doesn't make him less human.He is part of this world that finds it hard to talk,express himself. He is vulnerable too. Enough said
While the anti Starmer trolling buries much serious debate, as usual, there are issues I would have taken up. Like the Academies 'trusts' in schools, the private contracts in hospitals, the use of 'agency' staff and locums are nett drains in the public services. If they're posing as 'not for profit' that's a form of words- they employ lots of 'consultants' who have a symbiotic relationship, and huge executive salaries! The 'New Hospital' was always a 'dead cat' and you can guarantee that the millions spent so far have gone to dubious costs. Meanwhile, lots of gimmicks and excessive waiting lists. Plenty of posters telling us how well they're doing- and, certainly, at posters and online questionnaires, very productive. 'Reforms' to benefits seem to be aiming at the old Tory concept that there are a mass of the workshy cheating benefits and the government will make sure they work. Anybody who thinks they can live comfortably on the benefits or state pension systems is de facto mentally challenged and in need of support. The two child benefit cap was a vicious development from George Osborne which effectively targets children! Labour is giving the impression of picking off the most vulnerable- something they don't need, that's Nigel Farage territory!
Ted , is spot on.
Good God. Probably a really nice guy, but the standard of our elected representatives is depressing.
Harlow constituents' quarterly surgery. Distributed through our local media outlet. In a 10 minute slot on YouTube.
Have been looking for your comments on your visit to SFG how is the rebuild coming along?
Adrienne. You have wonderful ideas , but how would you fund all of it. Just to add , I would bring back hanging and national service. You may have mentioned these things , but I got a bit bored of your fantasies. Sorry
Well thanks Ted .Fantasies are strange. Well if you think a new hospital is a fantasy. You are correct under this government. Decent roads and pavements are what Harlow deserves. I don't really understand why you don't support that. I support it and I am a member of the public.If you have read through my earlier comments about getting a fair share of the tax pie.Instead of sending it to an even bigger money hole London Nobody wants someone who supports businesses and cares for people yet you talk about agency staff. That is all we have . And wanting a hospital that we have constantly been passed over is not a dream. The money was there to fund 40 others. The reason we did not get it was At the time there were never any plans for Pah 2. We were mislead. But rebuilding Pah 1. Has to be executed .Would you rather have no hospital or services As David Foreman rightly stated.Two thirds of that money was written off. Well if anyone else is bored of my comments,please let me know I am trying all out to make Pah 1 and ideal candidate for the 1.5 Billion pound grant. That is up for grabs. Oh perhaps we have been lied to again. So if we already have the land I see no reason that we can't be allocated it.(The grant) We have plans and land
Nick I agree they are expensive. Perhaps we could use the disused flats in town to attract more nursing staff. And give the late shift a lift home. I am talking about rebuilding the one we have. And me being an MP was joke. I have already highlighted the fact that there is a massive money drain. But unless we start work shopping really soon. The chances are we will be passed over again. We already have the rules .So why are you talking about funding. It's already there. Sorry if I am boring you. Perhaps you could come up with an idea.
Sorry nick the funding comment was directed at Ted.so was I am boring .And coming up with an idea. But the original Porton Down idea was mine. David clarified it. Thanks David. Looks like I am being slapped again. Repurpose Glaxo.
The goverment does not have the money to do all you want done Adrienne even though your ideas would make a perfect Britain . Many hospitals in this country as in the same position as ours. The reason I believe we have the money problems are 2 reasons . The cost of covid which will take years to recoup and small boats.
And Nick . Re 2 child benefits cap. I am sorry but why should I pay through my taxes to cover other people's children. If they cannot afford to look after the 3rd , 4th child , perhaps they should think twice before having them.
They have alot of investments abroad we are still the 6th richest country in the world. Don't believe all this I am poor stuff it's codswallop. Thank you for calming down ABIT If I may digress . Alot of rights are already there.They just need someone with a firm approach. Legislation. I watched Lord Alton a few months ago .He was talking about the history of the European human rights act and how they have been abusing it. I think we should keep it as is ,but name it the British Human rights act. I did forget to mention the British bit when I wrote to him. That is why the house of Lords keep sending potential policies back to the Commons. They can spot dangerous loopholes you see. perhaps if the common people of Britain stuck together a bit more we could force the Government to act in a decent manner. At the moment 100 MPs have formed a little alliance. Even though Kier an ex human rights lawyer seems to be a snowed under. He should not have gone along with the conservative reforms act. There are some skilled lawyer out there who are doing there best to put an end to the disgraceful way people are treated This has to stop. Well Ted you may think I am boring. Good for you for speaking up. Thanks for letting me know that I have to be a bit more exciting. I thought I was forward thinking and innovative. But you're free to talk.Which is a human right. And there is a very angry man inside. I am only 1pathetic human.So sorry if I upset you. That was not my intention. My intention was to highlight the real way a Labour government should behave. After all they are your employees.Never forget that. And should be subservient to their citizens. Not oppress them . Still need Pah 1 rebuilt. And the more people that repeatedly say it the better.
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