Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Clean Waterways: Thames Valley

Thursday 4 June 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial action includes tackling pollution from water companies, agriculture, and urban run-off in the Thames Valley.
  • The Environment Agency conducted over 800 inspections of Thames Water assets to improve water quality.
  • Lincoln Jopp requested the Minister to discuss with the Environment Agency the issue of unregistered boats on its land.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell
Environment
Context

The question is prompted by ongoing pollution issues affecting water quality and the need for decisive action to address them.

Question

What steps she is taking to help clean waterways in the Thames Valley?

Answer from Emma Hardy

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.

Answered
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Q2 Peter Swallow Lab Bracknell
Environment
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.

Question

What policies are in place to support nature and waterway recovery following such incidents?

Answer from Emma Hardy

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not provide specific policies or actions for ecological recovery after fires

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Q3 Lincoln Jopp Con Spelthorne
Migrants & Borders Environment
Context

The question arises from concerns about human waste discharge from unregulated boats on Environment Agency-owned land, which can negatively affect local waterways.

Question

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?

Answer from Emma Hardy

The hon. Gentleman raises an important point; I would be happy to look at it with the Environment Agency.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Does not commit to specific actions or timelines for addressing unregulated boats

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