Clean Waterways Thames Valley
2026-06-04
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Direct Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by ongoing pollution issues affecting water quality and the need for decisive action to address them.
What steps she is taking to help clean waterways in the Thames Valley?
We are taking decisive action to clean up waterways in the Thames valley, tackling pollution from water companies, agriculture and urban run-off. The Environment Agency carried out more than 800 inspections of Thames Water assets this year, holding water companies to account and improving water quality for local communities.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The question is prompted by a major fire that occurred last week, which raised concerns about the environmental impact on local waterways. The issue has been brought to the attention of the Environment Agency.
What policies are in place to support nature and waterway recovery following such incidents?
I thank my hon. Friend for bringing this important issue to the House, and I join him in paying tribute to the Environment Agency, all the emergency responders and everybody who has been working so hard. Public health advice has been issued, including precautionary guidance to avoid contact with potentially contaminated material. The incident is under investigation to assess regulatory compliance and to determine whether enforcement action is required, and I am happy to meet him to see whether it has been dealt with to his satisfaction and whether there is any more help I can give him.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not provide specific policies or actions for ecological recovery after fires
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The question arises from concerns about human waste discharge from unregulated boats on Environment Agency-owned land, which can negatively affect local waterways.
Will the Minister have a look at this issue and discuss it with the Environment Agency, so that slum boats on EA land can either be registered properly and policed, or moved on?
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point; I would be happy to look at it with the Environment Agency.
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Assessment & feedback
Does not commit to specific actions or timelines for addressing unregulated boats
Response accuracy