Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Water Infrastructure: Inspections

Thursday 5 February 2026 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial Questions on Water Infrastructure: Inspections were held on 2026-02-05
  • Rachel Taylor raised concerns about the Grand Union canal transfer scheme affecting her constituency of North Warwickshire and Bedworth
  • James Asser discussed the disruption caused by Thames Water infrastructure works in his constituency

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Rachel Taylor Lab North Warwickshire and Bedworth
Energy Environment
Context

The MP notes concerns from constituents about the Grand Union canal transfer scheme, which involves Affinity Water and Severn Trent pumping treated water into Atherstone in her constituency. Residents worry about noise, environmental damage, and disruption.

Question

Affinity Water and Severn Trent are opening their consultation next week on the Grand Union canal transfer scheme. The project will see 53 megalitres of treated water a day pumped into the canal in Atherstone in my constituency to be extracted in the south-east. Residents in Atherstone are concerned about the noise, damage to the environment and disruption that the scheme could create. Can the Minister reassure my constituents that she will work with the water companies involved to ensure that disruption is minimal and the treated water is safe, and will she meet my constituents to hear their concerns?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Reynolds)

The Grand Union canal transfer scheme will strengthen the nation’s long-term water resilience and water security. I have listened carefully to what my hon. Friend said about her constituents’ concerns, and either myself or the Water Minister will be very happy to meet her to discuss them further.

Answered
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Q2 James Asser Lab West Ham and Beckton
Transport Environment
Context

The MP expresses frustration with Thames Water's infrastructure works causing disruption to motorists, public transport delays, and safety concerns for cyclists in his constituency.

Question

My constituents are plagued with endless disruption and roadworks from Thames Water, which is leading to disruption for motorists, delays in public transport and, in some cases, serious safety concerns for cyclists. Does the Secretary of State agree that such infrastructure works should be properly monitored and inspected so that they are carried out effectively and efficiently—and, frankly, so that our constituents can see some benefit at the end of the disruption?

Answer from The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Emma Reynolds)

Under the last Government, we saw water infrastructure crumbling, but this Government are getting a grip of the water system. We are moving away from the “fix on failure” system that we inherited to one that includes proper maintenance and resilience standards to get ahead of problems. I hope that will mean less emergency work, and therefore less disruption for my hon. Friend’s constituents.

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