Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Biodiversity: Rivers and Streams

Wednesday 8 May 2024 · 3 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Barry Sheerman asked about discussions with the Welsh Government on biodiversity of rivers and streams, noting water matters are devolved in Wales.
  • Barry Sheerman questioned the UK Government's approach to Welsh biodiversity efforts, citing investment figures and sewage spill statistics for comparison.
  • Stephen Crabb inquired about confidence in regulatory response following a vote against an independent investigation into financial dealings linked to a landfill site.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Barry Sheerman Lab
Wales Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about the biodiversity of Welsh rivers and streams, questioning the role of the UK Government in discussions with the Welsh Government.

Question

What discussions has he had with the Welsh Government on the biodiversity of Welsh rivers and streams?

Answer from Fay Jones

Water is a devolved matter in Wales, making rivers and streams under the responsibility of the Welsh Government. The UK Government recognise the importance of rivers in our natural environment and are working on the UK national biodiversity strategy and action plan.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Details about specific discussions with the Welsh Government were not provided.

How: Water Is A Devolved Matter

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Q2 Barry Sheerman Lab
Wales Environment
Context

The MP criticises the UK Government for denigrating the Welsh Government's efforts on biodiversity, highlighting that Wales performs better than England. He asks if Welsh ideas should be adopted.

Question

Will the Minister acknowledge that the real scandal is the UK Government denigrating a good Welsh Government which excels in biodiversity? Given their threefold advantage over England, shouldn't we adopt Welsh approaches?

Answer from Fay Jones

The Minister disagrees with the assertion, highlighting that the UK Government mandated water companies to invest £56 million in storm overflow networks for improved water quality. In contrast, Wales sees an average of 38 sewage spills per outflow compared to England's 23.

Not addressed: The question about denigrating the Welsh Government was not directly addressed.

How: I Simply Cannot Disagree With The Hon. Gentleman More, Highlighting Uk Government Efforts

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Q3 Stephen Crabb Con
NHS Environment
Context

The MP expresses concern over air and water pollution affecting Pembrokeshire residents from the Withyhedge landfill. He questions the impartiality of the Welsh Government's oversight due to a conflict of interest.

Question

Given that Ministers voted against an independent investigation into financial dealings linked to the owner of Withyhedge landfill, how can constituents have confidence in the regulatory response?

Answer from Fay Jones

The Minister commended the MP for highlighting his constituents' plight but criticised the lack of independent scrutiny, stating that the donation linked to the issue is 'shameful'. She argued that there can be no confidence in an impartial investigation given the current stance.

Not addressed: The question about regulatory response was not directly addressed; instead, Labour Members were criticised for opposing scrutiny.

How: There Is No Independent Scrutiny Here, Labour Members Should Explain Why They Are Scared Of Scrutiny

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