← Back to Westminster Hall Debates
River Habitats: Protection and Restoration
29 January 2026
Lead MP
Lloyd Hatton
South Dorset
Lab
Responding Minister
Emma Hardy
Tags
Climate
Word Count: 12613
Other Contributors: 10
At a Glance
Lloyd Hatton raised concerns about river habitats: protection and restoration in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Calls for better protection through regulatory bodies like the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 and a single integrated regulator to hold water companies accountable, ensuring transparency in financial operations and preventing undue bonuses despite environmental failures.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Most UK rivers are in crisis due to pollution from agriculture and sewage. Only a third of UK rivers are in good health, with 85% heavily modified, leading to habitat loss and biodiversity decline. The state of riverways is crucial for nature and communities but has worsened under weak regulation.
Ashley Fox
Con
Bridgwater
Welcomes the debate and agrees on the need to protect rivers. Questions how policy proposals such as renationalising water companies would be funded.
Chris Hinchliff
Lab
North East Hertfordshire
Congratulated the lead MP on his speech and highlighted that not a single one of England’s rivers is in good overall health due to pollution with toxic chemicals. He invites the Minister to visit a campaign in his constituency to restore a chalk stream and highlights the challenges people are experiencing with Defra’s water restoration fund.
Chowns
Con
North Herefordshire
Asked the Minister to commit to a meeting with MPs from different parties in the Wye catchment.
Ellie Chowns
Green
North Herefordshire
Stressed that rivers are essential for health, communities, environment, and economy; highlighted the importance of Making Space for Water campaign in addressing flooding and boosting nature and biodiversity resilience.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Commissions Lloyd Hatton's initiative, noting similar issues in Northern Ireland due to agricultural runoff, outdated waste water systems, and storm overflows. Calls for collective action across the UK to protect rivers and freshwater species.
Lloyd Hatton
Con
South Dorset
Agreed with the importance of cross-society working between Government, regulatory bodies and stewards to restore river health. He thanks Members for their contributions, particularly highlighting concerns about agricultural run-off and the need to pass on healthier rivers and cleaner water to future generations.
Tiverton and Minehead
Acknowledged the hon. Member for Bournemouth East's speech and shared her personal background related to water flooding and the water framework directive. Highlighted similar environmental issues in her constituency.
Honiton and Sidmouth
Acknowledges the success of beaver releases but highlights complications due to recent flooding. Emphasises the need for sustained engagement from the Government and financial support such as the sustainable farming incentive.
Ashley Fox
Con
Worcestershire
Questioned the accuracy of Tom Hayes' statement about the Water (Special Measures) Act, suggesting it was introduced by the previous Conservative Government. Inquires about the assessment of canal embankment structures and whether current funding is adequate to maintain them.
Tom Hayes
Lab
Stoke-on-Trent North
The MP highlighted the severe flood warning issued due to Storm Chandra and thanked his constituents for their resilience during evacuations. He also emphasized the need for better maintenance of rivers, including dredging, to prevent sewage from washing through streets during flooding. Questions the Government’s regulation of water company executives' pay, citing examples where water bosses received substantial bonuses.
Government Response
Emma Hardy
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government Response
Commits to delivering a transition plan early this year and strengthening regulation in the water industry. Highlights plans for a single empowered regulator and improved regional water planning function to enhance water quality and supply. Discussed various initiatives such as the acceleration of nature-based solutions, including restoring wetlands and reconnecting floodplains. Mentioned the Water (Special Measures) Act 2025 and efforts to manage river systems in an integrated way, ensuring agriculture plays a part in restoring waterways health. Highlighted specific actions under sustainable farming initiative paying farmers for buffer strips beside watercourses. Emphasised tackling agricultural pollution through regulatory framework simplification, doubling funding for farm inspections, and launching consultation on sewage sludge regulation reform.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.