Environment Bill - Amendments to address sewage discharge issues and the role of the Office for Environmental Protection (OEP)

Moved to discuss multiple government and lords amendments dealing with sewage discharge management and the Office for Environmental Protection, indicating a proposal to address these issues through detailed legislative changes.

Asked the Minister to give way on the point of discussion, implying support or concern for the amendments being debated but without detailing specific arguments in this excerpt.

Criticised the Government’s response to sewage discharge issues as insufficient and lacking urgency. Highlighted the need for a stronger watchdog, higher penalties, clear timetables, progressive reduction commitments, and parliamentary scrutiny to address environmental concerns effectively.

Supported the argument that current amendments do not adequately address the dire state of rivers, emphasising the need for stronger action to improve water quality.

Echoed concerns about the inadequacy of the Government's concessions and highlighted the importance of trust in addressing sewage discharge issues affecting communities downstream.

Mr Philip Dunne supported Lords amendment 45, highlighting its benefits for public health and swimming activities. He also emphasised the need for robust enforcement measures within the existing Water Industry Act framework and praised the interlinkage of his proposed new clause with other requirements in the Bill.

Ms Deidre Brock expressed concern over the UK Government's reluctance to accept independent oversight, citing Scotland’s successful environmental protection measures and the importance of maintaining public ownership in water services. She also warned against any attempt by UK Ministers to open up Scottish water supply to market access.

Mr Neil Parish welcomed the Government's progress on the Office for Environmental Protection and echoed Mr Philip Dunne’s support for the amendment. He emphasised the need to capture storm water and rainwater, apply pressure to water companies, and ensure that regulatory bodies like Ofwat use their powers effectively.

The amendment does not go far enough to protect the environment, it lacks clarity and independence for the Office for Environmental Protection. The Bill does not place a duty on the Secretary of State to tackle sewage and water pollution as proposed by Lords amendment 45B.

The Minister has worked hard to accommodate concerns, including the Duke of Wellington’s amendment. The new duty combined with other measures will be a step towards ending sewage discharge from storm overflows and improving water quality.

Supports the Office for Environmental Protection’s enforcement policy and the duty to secure a progressive reduction in adverse impacts of discharges from storm overflows, seeks clarity from the Minister on enforcement policy.

Supports the amendment due to its strength and leadership by Philip Dunne. Asks the Minister to use power to push water firms for further action and prioritise ecologically sensitive sites.

Opposes the Government motion, arguing it does not go far enough. Requires higher fines for polluters and annual parliamentary scrutiny of sewage discharges.

Thanked colleagues for their support and expressed regret over false accusations of voting to pump raw sewage into oceans. Acknowledged Surfers Against Sewage's impact and welcomed the measures in the Bill aimed at reducing storm overflow discharges.

Critiqued the lack of specific targets or timescales for water companies to reduce sewage discharge, arguing that it allows companies to continue current practices without real accountability. Highlighted raw sewage discharges into Lake Windermere and questioned the effectiveness of proposed measures in addressing pollution levels.

Expressed gratitude to colleagues for their input and outlined reasons supporting the amendments, including a focus on ecological sites and bathing waters. Emphasised ongoing efforts to address storm overflow issues.