HARLOW MP Chris Vince MP responds to PM’s speech: Our community is about hope, not division

Mr Vince said: “What struck me most about the Prime Minister’s speech was not the policy announcements about gold-standard apprenticeships, further investment in our further education colleges, or even his personal vision to renew and unite our country, but the part of the speech where he spoke about all the different community champions he had met from across the country during his first year as PM.

Because in every single case, he could have easily been talking about Harlow.

Our town has community leaders and champions in huge numbers. In fact, Harlow probably has more than its fair share.

I know, because I’ve met them.

From Tess, Cassie and Lynn, who run dementia clubs to support the most vulnerable in our town and those who care for them.

To Jason, who runs the workshop at Rainbow Services, giving young people who may otherwise be written off the skills they need for the future.

To Steve and Adam, who run the recovery café in the Playhouse, ensuring that whatever challenges you have faced, you can be supported.

To Kerrie and all my former colleagues at Streets2Homes, supporting those when they need it most.

To Rev. Jokey and others like her, who supported so many during the pandemic.

To Herty and Efua, who bring our diverse community to life with food and fun.

And many, many more.

When the Prime Minister talks about investing in our future to create a Britain that is safer and more secure, founded on respect, and providing opportunity, he is talking about communities like ours.

I’ve set out the investment this Labour government has made in just one year. I know there is more to come, I know there is much more to do, but every day I am proud to represent this caring, diverse, and above all kind community.”