Contributions
507 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDThames WaterBefore I begin, let me say that this is a solemn day, as we remember our dear friend and colleague Jo Cox—I got to know her when we were living in Brussels in our 20s. I pay…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterI thank the hon. Lady for welcoming the fact that I have sent the letter with my early concerns. As I said, there are two different ways for a special administration regime. One…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterI am always happy to receive brownie points, Mr Speaker, so thank you for what you said. The shadow Secretary of State rightly says that untreated sewage has poured into our…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterI am not surprised that there are not many Opposition Back Benchers here, given the Conservatives’ terrible record on the water industry. In our clean water Bill, which we will…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterAs I set out in my letter to the regulator, Ofwat, I am concerned that the proposal will mean delays to environmental improvements and to improvements to water infrastructure,…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterI thank the hon. Gentleman, I think, for his support for my statement today, although it was slightly half-hearted. He is right to say that there have been serious pollution…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterI think there were a number of questions there. As I have said, there is obviously a difference between a special administration regime and nationalisation. My hon. Friend refers…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterI think it is right that both the regulator and the Government hold Thames Water to account, and I find the hon. Gentleman’s question slightly bizarre. I can reassure his…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterMy hon. Friend is right to say that Thames Water has a terrible record going back—as I said in my statement—at least 15 years. He is also right to say that sewage spills in the…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterQuite simply, I do not want customers to pick up the bill for the repeated failures of Thames Water, but I hear the hon. Gentleman’s concerns about uncertainty, and I would like…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterMy right hon. Friend is absolutely right to emphasise the appalling record of Thames Water, and the impact that it is having not just on her constituents but on businesses in her…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterWe appointed FTI Consulting because, in the event of a special administration regime, it is right to have prepared for that eventuality and to have that contingency arrangement in…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterI certainly want to turn the page on the failures of this company that have affected my hon. Friend’s constituents and those of other Members. Thanks to the Water (Special…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterThe company remains solvent, but if it were to become insolvent it would be for the directors to apply to the court for an insolvency special administration regime, and then those…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterI am very sorry to hear about the circumstances in my hon. Friend’s constituency, and I will happily raise them with the regulator. We need to get that fixed as soon as possible.16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterI entirely understand why the hon. Lady and her constituents are fed up with the company’s poor performance, and I have written to Ofwat expressing my concerns. I do not want her…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterAs I said in my statement, customers are at the front and centre of my consideration of this serious issue. The Environment Agency will continue to investigate any pollution…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterI thank my constituency neighbour for his question. Like him, I have had complaints about Thames Water in my constituency. With regard to his broader question, I reassure him that…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterMy hon. Friend is right to raise the impact of this issue on local businesses as well as residents in her constituency. I spoke to the chair of Ofwat yesterday evening, as well as…16 Jun 2026 · 4d agoHANSARDThames WaterMay I welcome the hon. Gentleman to the party? It was a long time coming. I do not remember any mention of the sewage crisis in the Reform manifesto at the last election.16 Jun 2026 · 4d ago