Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Topical Questions

Thursday 4 September 2025 · 5 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 3 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Andy MacNae raised concerns about outdated flood modelling in Rossendale and Darwen, prompting the Government to commit to updating flood resilience taskforce efforts.
  • Adam Thompson highlighted the issue of abandoned boats posing risks to public safety and wildlife on the Erewash canal, with the Government expressing commitment to addressing waterway maintenance.
  • James MacCleary inquired about the lack of local abattoirs impacting livestock farmers, leading to a discussion on the challenges of supporting small abattoirs and previous government initiatives.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andy MacNae Lab Rossendale and Darwen
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Residents in Rossendale and Darwen are concerned that flood modelling is outdated and inaccurate, posing risks to their communities.

Question

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vital commitments to our flood defences, but recently some communities have expressed concern that flood modelling is out of date and is either not fully identifying risk areas or identifying risk areas as high-risk that no longer are.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?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Steve Reed)

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q2 Adam Thompson Lab Erewash
Environment
Context

Two abandoned boats near Sandiacre lock in Erewash had been rotting for over two years, posing risks to public safety and local wildlife.

Question

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?

Answer from The Minister for Food Security and Rural Affairs (Daniel Zeichner)

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q3 James MacCleary Lib Dem Lewes
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Daniel Zeichner

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.

Partly answered

How: Under Review

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q4 Chris Ward Lab Brighton Kemptown and Peacehaven
Environment
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Reed

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.

Partly answered

How: Working With

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Q5 Lee Dillon Lib Dem Newbury
Taxation Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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?

Answer from Steve Reed

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.

Answered
Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)