Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

South East Strategic Reservoir Option

16 March 2022 · 0 other contributors · 3,830 words

Opened by Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

Responding minister: Rebecca Pow

ClimateEnergyEnvironment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Layla Moran raised concerns about south east strategic reservoir option in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The proposed Abingdon reservoir has been debated for nearly a quarter of a century due to environmental concerns including loss of biodiversity and potential flooding risks.
  • Layla Moran requests a thorough review of population growth estimates and environmental impact assessments, and urges reconsideration of the structure of Water Resources South East (WRSE).
  • The Minister highlights plans to address water scarcity through new supply infrastructure, leakage reduction, and demand management targets under the Environment Act 2021.

Key requests to Government

Layla Moran asks the government to thoroughly interrogate the proposal for this reservoir, especially as it moves forward to gate two. She requests a review of population estimates and environmental impact analysis. Moran also calls for reconsidering the structure of Water Resources South East (WRSE) and warns Thames Water against releasing wholly redacted environmental studies.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Layla Moran Lib Dem Oxford West and Abingdon

The proposed Abingdon reservoir has been under debate for nearly a quarter of a century. Layla Moran is concerned about the environmental impact, including loss of biodiversity and potential flooding risks in an already flood-prone area. She notes that initial environmental impact assessments have not provided sufficient information due to redaction. Additionally, there are concerns over the accuracy of population growth predictions used by Water Resources South East (WRSE), which could significantly affect water demand projections.

Government Response

Rebecca Pow

The Minister emphasised the critical importance of water as a resource, noting past shortages and the need to address growing population and climate change impacts. She outlined plans for new supply infrastructure, leakage reduction, and demand management targets under the Environment Act 2021, aiming to reduce per capita consumption and halve leakage levels by 2050. The Minister also detailed ongoing consultations on regional water resources groups' plans and stressed the need for robust environmental considerations in any proposed schemes.

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