MP Bernard Jenkin has heaped praise on the University of Essex at a debate he launched in the House of Commons.

The Harwich and North Essex MP highlighted its success and called for speedy action to dispel uncertainty for universities following the UK's departure from the European Union.

The debate was overseen by the current chancellor of the university, John Bercow MP, with students and the vice chancellor watching on from the Commons gallery.

The Department of Government at the University of Essex holds the "best-in-county" ranking for research quality.

Following the debate, Mr Jenkin said: “Since I was first elected for North Colchester in 1992, I have had the privilege of representing the University of Essex in Parliament.

"We have a close relationship and I am a member of the Court of the University.

"Over the years, I have witnessed how much the University of Essex has contributed to academia, to the local economy, and to the wider community.

"I am lucky to represent the constituency which includes such an outstanding institution."

He added: “But this debate was not just about the achievements of the university.

"It was also about the measures being taken by the Government to safeguard universities as the UK leaves the EU, and how it plans to use the opportunities of leaving the EU so that the university can become even more of a global leader in higher education.”