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River Thames Unauthorised Mooring 2025-04-29
29 April 2025
Lead MP
Monica Harding
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
ImmigrationCrime & Law EnforcementEconomyHousingClimate
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Monica Harding raised concerns about river thames unauthorised mooring 2025-04-29 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
No issue in my constituency demonstrates more the inertia and failure of the previous political leadership than the problem of overstayed, wrecked and abandoned boats that have been left to proliferate along the banks of the Thames for the last decade. Esher and Walton is a river community where various activities such as rowing clubs, sea scouts, wild swimming groups, riverside businesses, and tourism are impacted by these boats lining the entire length from Dittons through Molesey and into Walton-on-Thames. There are wrecked vessels visible to tourists at Hampton Court Palace, unregistered overstay boats generating litter and waste, fenced off public land on the towpath, and areas characterised by drug use and antisocial behaviour. Residents report harassment including threats of physical harm, theft, fly-tipping, dog fouling, and antisocial behaviour. Rowing clubs and boat hire companies are unable to launch due to these issues which have led to alterations in the Molesey regatta course. The Environment Agency has failed to address the situation over years leading to a rise in the number of such boats approaching 250.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
The hon. Lady makes the main point about regulations and accountability.
Maidenhead
My hon. Friend is right, it's time for the Environment Agency to step up and support our community instead of passing responsibility.
Brecon, Radnor and Cwm Tawe
In Brecon, we have a similar issue with Welsh Water’s decision causing potential problems for the canal and no response from authorities. The Minister should come to Esher and Walton first.
Lincoln Jopp
Con
Spelthorne
I offer my support to fix the problem on her side of the river, we will give assistance if needed.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
A positive step forward would be working with me, my hon. Friend the Member for Spelthorne, the hon. Member for Maidenhead, and the Minister to tackle this issue once and for all.
David Chadwick
Con
Maidenhead
Asked whether the Minister could write to the Welsh Minister responsible to look into cases like the Brecon canal.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
Questioned if the Environment Agency has sufficient statutory powers to tackle the issue effectively, suggesting a need for legal changes.
Lisa Cameron
SNP
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow
Supports concerns raised by Helen Hayes about the River Wey.
Sam Gyimah
Con
East Surrey
Raises similar issues regarding illegal mooring on the River Thames and its impact on local communities.
Cameron
SNP
East Kilbride, Strathaven and Lesmahagow
Suggests a group of MPs to discuss these issues further.
Government Response
The Minister acknowledged the seriousness of the issues raised by the hon. Member for Esher and Walton and expressed understanding about the need for coordinated action. She emphasised that enforcement actions must be within legal limits and proportionate, noting that the Environment Agency is developing specific actions to address the problems in Elmbridge. The minister noted that over £150,000 has been spent on enforcement operations, ongoing legal action, and vessel removals in 2024-25. She committed to further questioning the Environment Agency about its powers and working collaboratively with local authorities to find a solution. We have taken steps to address the issues highlighted by the hon. Lady Helen Hayes and her constituents regarding boat usage on the River Wey. Trespass notices have been issued where necessary, and advice has been given to boaters on registration, conduct and waste responsibilities. The Environment Agency has also removed boater waste accumulations from agency and local authority land. On 1 April it published a strategic framework for enforcement throughout the 144-mile stretch of the river, and it tells me that it has developed an Elmbridge-specific compliance and enforcement plan that has been shared with local partners for their input. However, in light of the concerns raised, the agency is developing a longer-term land management strategy to reduce reliance on enforcement and create more sustainable outcomes instead. This includes the feasibility of additional lawful mooring agreements for registered boaters, supporting local authority duties for homelessness and housing, and biodiversity enhancements to deter trespass in sensitive areas. The Environment Agency will be strengthening collaboration with Elmbridge borough council, Surrey police and community partners on necessary enforcement actions, as well as continuing current deployments over the coming months. In a wider context, it is certainly true that the legislative landscape surrounding navigation management is complex, and this has emerged largely from historical legacies. With changing use of waterways over time, new challenges have arisen in relation to residential mooring, which should be taken into account when shaping future regulation and planning. We are also willing to convene a group of MPs to discuss further actions if invited.
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