Contributions
1,730 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsI will say that we set up the OEP, we will comply with the information notice it has requested and then we will see where its decision goes from that. It is important that that…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsMy hon. Friend is absolutely right; he has a coastal constituency as well and will know the continuing work to improve the quality of our designated bathing waters and our waters…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsBecause the hon. Lady’s assertion is simply not true.13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsUnlimited penalties are available to the Environment Agency and there is already a criminal investigation under way. I know my hon. Friend has secured a Westminster Hall debate…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsI am conscious of the investigation that the BBC undertook. The Environment Agency and the Department do not agree with its assessment of the data. That does not mean, of course,…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsI am conscious of the breakdown near Fleetwood earlier this year. To give some credit to United Utilities, it worked at pace to try to fix the mechanical failure that had…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsMy right hon. Friend is right to point out that we have taken action and given powers to the regulator. A very successful prosecution happened; I believe Southern Water was fined…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsMy right hon. Friend is right to point out some of the investment that is under way, but the storm overflows discharge reduction plan, which I anticipate will receive nearly £60…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsThe risk for the hon. Gentleman is that he has already soiled his own reputation by failing to acknowledge that the investigation that led to that court case, which is referred to…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsWith the usual courtesies, I welcome the hon. Member for Croydon North (Steve Reed) to his place. I restate that I have always been clear that the current volume of sewage…13 Sept 2023HANSARDBack British Farming DayBritish farmers play a crucial role in driving economic growth, supporting national food security, and achieving our ambitious net zero goals. On Back British Farming Day, the…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsWe set up the OEP and it has the powers, thanks to this Conservative Government, to get on with the role as it sees fit. It is doing so—it has started the investigation and asked…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsMy hon. Friend is right to praise the activity happening in her constituency, and the people of Southend should be congratulated on electing her to this House, because she is an…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsI look forward to the election in Huddersfield—the hon. Gentleman should look at some of his own speeches. I do not know on what basis he has made that assertion, quoting the…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsThe right hon. Gentleman is a former Minister in DEFRA. I am not aware of what inspections were done when he was in office. What I do know is that we increased funding for farm…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsI understand that the hon. Member comes from the very left wing of the Labour party, and that that will continue to be his mantra. I understand, however, that it is not the…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsI am conscious that the hon. Gentleman is a Member for a Northern Ireland constituency. The OEP’s remit extends to Northern Ireland, although not to the Welsh Labour Government or…13 Sept 2023HANSARDCombined Sewer OverflowsMy hon. Friend is absolutely right. When we left the European Union, we recognised the need to have suitable scrutiny, which is what is in place. Clearly the OEP has not come to a…13 Sept 2023HANSARDEnvironmental Improvement Plan: Annual Progress ReportIn January 2023, we published the “Environmental Improvement Plan”, our five-year delivery plan to restore nature and improve the environmental quality of the air, our waters and…19 Jul 2023HANSARD Environmental ProtectionI am grateful to right hon. and hon. Members for the wide-ranging contributions to the discussion of the regulations that we are bringing forward today. Across the country, people…18 Jul 2023