Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Michelham Priory

15 September 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Nusrat Ghani Con Sussex Weald

Culture, Media & SportEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Nusrat Ghani raised concerns about michelham priory in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Ms Nusrat Ghani raised concerns about the deterioration of Michelham Priory due to the Environment Agency's failure to manage sluice gates and desilt the River Cuckmere.
  • The Sussex Archaeological Society requires the Environment Agency to repair sluice gates to clear silt and restore the moat, which is crucial for the site's financial and environmental health.
  • Ms Ghani reported a loss of nearly 0.5 million in revenue over three years, threatening the closure of Michelham Priory and impacting local businesses and tourism.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Nusrat Ghani Con Sussex Weald

Ms Nusrat Ghani raised the urgent issue regarding the deterioration of Michelham Priory, a medieval site with Britain’s longest continual medieval water-filled moat. The Environment Agency's failure to manage the sluice gates and desilt the River Cuckmere has left the priory in dire straits financially and environmentally. Ms Ghani emphasised that the Sussex Archaeological Society needs the Environment Agency to repair the sluice gates, enabling them to apply for funds to clear silt and restore the moat. The loss of water due to the agency’s actions threatens not only the historic value but also the economic viability of Michelham Priory, impacting local businesses and tourism. She stressed that the Society has lost nearly £0.5 million in revenue over three years and faces closure without immediate action from the Environment Agency.

Other contributors (1)
  • Rebecca Pow Con Yeovil

    Ms Rebecca Pow acknowledged the significance of Michelham Priory, praising its historical importance. She noted that the Environment Agency has been working with the Sussex Archaeological Society for years to address water management issues but highlighted challenges such as invasive species like floating pennywort and environmental protection duties.

Government Response

Eleanor Laing

Ms Eleanor Laing thanked Ms Ghani for her eloquent presentation on the dire situation at Michelham Priory. She acknowledged the Environment Agency's ongoing work with the Sussex Archaeological Society and noted the need to address invasive species like floating pennywort before proceeding further. The Minister highlighted the potential funding from various sources, including business resilience grants and heritage emergency funds managed by other departments. She encouraged continued constructive dialogue between the Society and the Environment Agency while emphasising the agency's environmental protection responsibilities.

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