Local Politics

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Harlow Constituency

Background of Harlow

The postcode EN9 2QH is located in Harlow, a UK parliament constituency represented in the House of Commons by Robert Halfon MP of the Conservative party.

Harlow is a UK parliamentary constituency located in Essex. It was established in 1974, primarily encompassing the town of Harlow and surrounding rural areas. Politically, Harlow has experienced shifts between the Labour and Conservative parties. The Labour Party held the seat from 1997 to 2010, when Conservative candidate Robert Halfon won and has since retained the seat in subsequent elections.

Demographically, Harlow is diverse, with a mix of urban and suburban populations. The town itself is characterised by post-war developments and a significant proportion of social housing. The constituency has a varied age profile, with both young families and older residents living within its boundaries. Ethnically, it predominantly consists of White British, but there is also a growing presence of other ethnic groups.

Economically, Harlow has a mixed economy with sectors such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics playing significant roles. The presence of the M11 motorway and proximity to London Stansted Airport enhances its connectivity, making it an attractive locale for both businesses and commuters. The UK Innovation Corridor, which extends from London to Cambridge and includes Harlow, further boosts the area’s economic prospects.

The electorate in Harlow numbered approximately 70,000 in recent elections. Historically, voter turnout in Harlow has been close to the national average.

During the 2016 EU referendum, Harlow voted decisively in favour of leaving the European Union, with 68.1% of voters opting for Brexit. This vote reflected broader regional trends and has influenced local political discourse since. Harlow is a microcosm of broader socio-political trends in the UK, encapsulating both historical shifts and contemporary challenges.

Brexit

Did Harlow vote for Brexit?

In the 2016 referendum, the people of Harlow voted in favour of Brexit. Many residents cited concerns over immigration, sovereignty, and a desire to regain control from the EU as key reasons for their decision. The town has seen an increase in population in recent years, and some felt that leaving the EU would help address these issues. Additionally, there was a feeling amongst some voters that the EU imposed too many regulations and restrictions on the UK. Ultimately, the result in Harlow reflected a mix of economic and social factors that led residents to support Brexit.