Topical Questions 2025-09-04
2025-09-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Residents in Rossendale and Darwen are concerned that flood modelling is outdated and inaccurate, posing risks to their communities.
As we move into autumn, flooding is once again on the minds of residents in Rossendale and Darwen. This Government have already made vital commitments to our flood defences, but recently some communities have expressed concern that flood modelling is out of date and is either not fully identifying risk areas or identifying risk areas as high-risk that no longer are. The Environment Agency is aware of that, so will the Secretary of State join me in urging it urgently to prioritise new modelling?
My hon. Friend makes an important and timely point. Through the floods resilience taskforce, we are looking at how we can update the modelling to make sure that all areas that need protection will get the investment to do it, because far too many communities are exposed to the dangers of flooding. That is why we are investing £4.2 billion between 2026 and 2029 to protect our communities and better maintain our flood defences in England.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Two abandoned boats near Sandiacre lock in Erewash had been rotting for over two years, posing risks to public safety and local wildlife.
Erewash’s industrial base was built on the Erewash canal, which is now a lovely leisure spot for my constituents. But abandoned boats, like the two near Sandiacre lock that sat rotting for over two years, pose serious risks to public safety and local wildlife. I was very glad to work recently with the Canal & River Trust to get those two boats removed. Can the Minister advise how we can support the Canal & River Trust in the future with the tools that it needs to get similar boats removed in a more timely manner?
My hon. Friend raises an important issue that affects many communities along our waterways. The removal of abandoned vessels is crucial to maintaining public safety, protecting wildlife and preserving the beauty of our canals and rivers. I am committed to working closely with the Canal & River Trust and other relevant organisations to ensure they have the necessary resources and support to address this issue effectively.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
David, a farmer near Berwick in James MacCleary's constituency, has stopped raising livestock due to the lack of local abattoirs. The nearest option is over an hour away.
I recently spoke to David who farms near the village of Berwick in my constituency and he told me that he has given up raising livestock altogether due to the lack of local abattoirs, his nearest option being well over an hour away. What action are the Government taking to support new and existing abattoirs so that farmers across the country in similar situations do not stop raising livestock too?
The hon. Gentleman raises a very important point, and I visited an abattoir last week. Because of changes to the system over many years, we have seen a concentration of these facilities. We all want to see more small abattoirs. The previous Government introduced a fund, but it proved difficult to get uptake. There is a whole range of serious issues. We are very aware of the problem and want to work with him and others to solve it.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Under Review
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The hon. Member has received numerous emails from constituents regarding the continuous sewage discharge into seas by Southern Water, which holds a shocking record for pollution.
I have had many emails from my constituents in recent days about continued sewage discharge into our beautiful seas and the terrible record of Southern Water on this issue. The Secretary of State mentioned earlier that he visited Bournemouth a couple of times, but can he come further down the coast to visit my constituency, and set out what the Government are doing to clean up our waters and hold Southern Water accountable?
I was down in Lewes a couple of weeks ago. I congratulate my hon. Friend on being such a powerful campaigner on issues relating to sewage in his constituency. He has brought together campaigners, and I would be delighted to meet him and them to discuss problems and start fixing the pollution issue that the Conservative party has caused.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Working With
Response accuracy
Q5
Direct Answer
▸
Context
Farmers from Newbury have visited the House to lobby Labour MPs to stop the family farm tax. They want to explain why the government believes having an inheritance tax on farms is necessary.
We are joined by farmers in the Gallery, it is their fifth visit lobbying Labour MPs about stopping a family farm tax. Will the Secretary of State meet these farmers or attend the Berkshire county show to discuss directly why the Government thinks an inheritance tax on farms is right and protects the rural economy?
I am always happy to meet farmers. I have visited two farms this week, sat down with six farmers to talk about their concerns and would be more than happy to arrange an appropriate meeting for those visiting from the hon. Gentleman's constituency.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy