Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Environment Agency: East of England

04 June 2025 · 5 other contributors · 4,094 words

Opened by Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

Responding minister: Emma Hardy

Environment

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Steve Barclay raised concerns about environment agency: east of england in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about Environment Agency's lack of transparency and accountability despite increased staff and expenditure.
  • Steve Barclay asks the Minister to address issues of accountability and transparency in the Environment Agency's operations.
  • Minister acknowledged concerns and mentioned ongoing efforts to improve regulatory processes through the Corry review.

Key requests to Government

Steve Barclay asks the Minister to address issues of accountability and transparency in the Environment Agency's operations, especially concerning high-profile cases like Hoad’s wood and Saxon Pit.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Steve Barclay Con North East Cambridgeshire

The debate highlights concerns about the operational performance of the Environment Agency, particularly its lack of transparency and accountability despite a significant increase in staff numbers from 10,791 to over 13,000 FTEs and expenditure rising from £1.4 billion to £2.2 billion. The EA also faces criticism for failing to take enforcement action against serious environmental damage.

Other contributors (5)
  • Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull East

    Constituents want action when they see pollution incidents. The hon. Gentleman is right that if he feels the outcome following a meeting is not satisfactory, further intervention can be sought.

  • Jim Shannon DUP Strangford

    Jim Shannon criticises the Environment Agency for pursuing farmers and landowners while showing reluctance to tackle major environmental harm caused by criminal gangs. He questions why the agency does not support farmers when they need help.

  • Lewis Cocking Con Broxbourne

    Expressed frustration over sewage pollution in his constituency and the lack of engagement from the Environment Agency, calling for fundamental reform and change in the agency's operational practices. Expressed frustration with Environment Agency meetings that do not lead to real action or solutions for constituents facing environmental issues.

  • Mike Martin LD Tunbridge Wells

    Mike Martin points out that in his constituency, Southern Water is often blamed for high levels of ammonia in the River Grom. He criticises the Environment Agency's lack of accountability and transparency despite having more funding.

  • Terry Jermy Lab South West Norfolk

    Shared concerns about the EA's poor performance regarding permit issuance, which is a barrier to business growth. Highlighted issues related to waste transportation through single carriageway roads. Asked the Minister to focus on improving permit issuance processes, which could unlock growth opportunities for businesses in Cambridgeshire and Norfolk.

Government Response

Emma Hardy

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs

Acknowledged the concerns raised by MPs about permit issuance delays and pollution incidents. Mentioned an increase in funding for the Environment Agency and ongoing efforts to improve regulatory processes through the Corry review. Offered to have more detailed conversations with MPs regarding specific issues.

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