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The Secretary of State was asked—
17 November 2022
Lead MP
Maggie Throup
North Shropshire
Con
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
ClimateAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 38
At a Glance
Maggie Throup raised concerns about the secretary of state was asked— 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:
Government Response
Defended the Government's food strategy and addressed concerns about egg shortages due to avian influenza. Also mentioned meetings with industry representatives and reassurance on biosecurity. Responded that the Environment Agency's enforcement is at a record high with funding closely monitored. Stated the EA’s total budget this year as £1,650 million, including new ringfenced money for special enforcement activities. Offered to meet MPs and residents affected by illegal operations. We are seeing air quality improving across the country. The Mayor of London should drive improvements using his powers. I am prioritising environmental targets, responding to COP15 and ensuring legislation meets Parliament's requirements. We have taken proactive action on sewage spillage. At COP14 in Sharm El-Sheikh, we worked towards ambitious outcomes including signing up countries to the 30 by 30 coalition and 10-point plan for biodiversity financing.
Maggie Throup
Con
North Shropshire
Asked about the Government's food strategy and its ambition in light of food security concerns following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Defended the Government's food strategy, emphasising the maintenance of current levels of domestic food production and support for farmers to improve productivity. She also addressed concerns about egg shortages due to avian influenza.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Asked about the Government's response to poultry farmers affected by avian influenza, expressing concern over supermarket rationing of eggs and potential turkey supply issues ahead of Christmas.
Invited the Secretary of State to visit a farm in his constituency that uses regenerative techniques to produce high-quality food sustainably.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Critiqued the Government's plan to reduce basic payments to farmers, suggesting it may harm their ability to continue farming while also requesting a meeting with Baroness Rock regarding her tenant review.
Discussed vulnerabilities in food production due to animal diseases and questioned the Secretary of State's preparedness for another disease outbreak, referencing criticism from the Public Accounts Committee on the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s management.
Pete Wishart
SNP
Perth and Kinross-shire
Questioned the impact of trade deals, particularly the Australian deal, on food production and criticised former Secretaries of State for their handling of such issues.
Called for Ofwat to publish plans to strengthen competition in the water industry and reduce regulatory burdens.
Responded to questions about the regulation of water companies, flood management funding, and nature-based solutions for protecting communities from flooding.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Inquired about preparations to support communities impacted by potential winter 2022-23 flooding, specifically in her constituency regarding the River Wyre catchment area.
Simon Lightwood
Lab Co-op
Wakefield and Rothwell
Asked about the potential effect of a reduction in the Environment Agency’s budget on its enforcement work, expressing concern over delays in resolving complaints from residents near an illegal pig farm.
Expressed concerns about illegal waste dumping affecting residents and an area of outstanding natural beauty. Requested a meeting to discuss swift action by the Environment Agency.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Critiqued the reduction in the agency’s environmental protection budget from £170 million in 2009-10 to £76 million in 2019-20, highlighting low morale among staff and high vacancy rates.
Bill Esterson
Lab
Sefton Central
Asked about the potential impact of sewage spillages on coastal businesses and criticised the cuts to the Environment Agency budget as a mistake.
Highlighted the importance of moderate language in managing issues related to environmental incidents, such as soil erosion being mistaken for sewage discharge.
Christchurch
Asked about discussions with Natural England regarding its efficiency and effectiveness, and criticised delays in responding to planning applications due to insufficient information.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Inquired about the role of Natural England in nature-based solutions for tackling climate change.
Battersea
Asked for an assessment of implications for policies due to failing statutory deadlines on air, water quality and biodiversity.
Jim McMahon
Lab Co-op
Oldham West, Chadderton and Royton
I welcome the Secretary of State to her post but point out that the crisis of raw sewage turning England into an open sewer can be traced back to her time as an Environment Minister. I ask for details on when she held a roundtable with water bosses and what the outcome was, and criticise her lack of action despite previous Ministers addressing this issue from day one in office.
Peter Aldous
Con
Bury St Edmunds
I inquire about steps being taken to support fishing communities, highlighting my role chairing Renaissance of the East Anglian Fisheries and drawing attention to recent policy labs engaging with local fishermen. I seek confirmation that the management plan aligns with the trade and co-operation agreement.
Elliot Colburn
Con
Bexhill and Battle
I discuss concerns raised by Carshalton and Wallington residents about an incinerator’s capacity increase, urging my right hon. Friend to agree that local residents should participate in the Environment Agency consultation to express their opposition.
Yasmin Qureshi
Lab
Bolton South and Walkden
Since the Boxing Day floods in 2015, my constituents have lived in fear of further flooding. The works are now delayed until 2026, with a nearby flood basin project exacerbating the issue by increasing water volume in the river. I request that the new Secretary of State visit Bolton South East to see for herself and speak to residents.
Mark Pawsey
Con
Bracknell
The packaging industry is ready to contribute to a world-class recycling system through extended producer responsibility, deposit return scheme, and consistent household collections. Given that businesses are expected to start recording complex packaging data from January 2024, I ask when the responses to these schemes will be available.
Kerry McCarthy
Lab
Bristol East
Under the previous Prime Minister, there were plans to re-categorise land for blocking development, including solar power. I ask if this is still the Government’s intention and express concern about the impact on renewable energy projects.
Andrew Jones
Con
Harrogate
I request a meeting with the Under-Secretary of State to discuss our campaign for inland bathing water accreditation, specifically regarding the River Nidd in Knaresborough and the process involved.
Congratulated the hon. Friend for their campaign, encouraging more applicants for bathing water status and discussing it with him.
Fleur Anderson
Lab
Putney
Expressed concern about missed environmental targets and asked for a clear date on publishing those targets and taking action to save nature.
Reassured the hon. Member that they remain committed to publishing environmental targets, stating their commitment to delivering outcomes in the 25-year environment plan.
Raised concerns about proposals for large solar farms and requested clarity on policy from the Secretary of State.
Acknowledged planning policy is a matter for other Departments but assured that officials are working closely to ensure balance between food production and energy security.
Asked the Secretary of State to guarantee statutory deadlines will be published before COP15, highlighting concerns about missed targets.
Acknowledged concern over secondary legislation and assured Members that they are working at pace to get environmental targets in place as quickly as possible.
Asked for the fisheries Minister to confirm when an independent panel investigating mass shellfish mortality will be established and report findings.
Confirmed plans to set up a rapid inquiry as soon as possible, aiming to identify the true facts rapidly from available evidence.
Criticised the impact of Brexit on UK firms and Scottish exports, highlighting the cost to households and additional checks for meat exports.
Challenged the hon. Lady's negative stance on Brexit, stating that they are embracing opportunities in trade deals and promoting British products around the world.
Welcomed the Secretary of State to her place and requested for a quick conclusion of investigations into Walleys Quarry odour issues.
Confirmed that the EA is continuing to work closely with the operator to regulate and ensure all recommended measures are implemented effectively.
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