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Waste Crime: Knowsley
25 March 2026
Lead MP
Anneliese Midgley
Knowsley
Lab
Responding Minister
Mary Creagh
Tags
EmploymentAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 3932
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Anneliese Midgley raised concerns about waste crime: knowsley in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I ask the Minister to consider whether Knowsley can receive support similar to other areas cleaned up by Government intervention, ensure local authorities are not left with the bill for organised waste crime, implement earlier interventions to prevent such issues, and enforce consequences for criminals involved in waste dumping.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
I am concerned about the significant impact of waste crime in my constituency, particularly the 'Simonswood stink' and an illegal dump off the M57. The Simonswood site is causing health issues for residents, including nausea, headaches, respiratory problems, and even affecting children's education due to school closures. It has been described as a dumping ground with dust covering homes and cars. Additionally, an illegal waste site containing 15,000 to 20,000 tonnes of waste poses risks to businesses along the M57 and East Lancs Road.
Ashley Dalton
Lab
West Lancashire
Ashley Dalton agreed with his colleague about Simonswood and another issue at St Joseph's college site in his constituency, emphasising that a lack of prompt action from the Environment Agency leads to erosion of trust.
James Daly
Con
Leyland and Broadmayne
I agree that Labour's waste-crime action plan addresses many of the concerns raised. The issue is about resources and enforcement powers for the Environment Agency, which the new plan aims to address.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Jim Shannon expressed concern about the isolation of rural communities in tackling waste crime and suggested that additional policing or CCTV could be used to address this issue. I have a quick question. Does that apply to the obfuscation of the vehicles and vans used? If it does, that will also hurt them.
Lorraine Beavers
Lab
Blackpool North and Fleetwood
Lorraine Beavers highlighted the ongoing problem at Jameson Road landfill site in her constituency, stating that the Environment Agency needs more resources due to 14 years of Conservative cuts.
Matt Rodda
Lab
Reading Central
Matt Rodda supported his colleague's speech, noting local issues at street level and requesting more resources for tackling waste crime. The Minister is making an excellent speech. I am really pleased to hear about the new strategy and determination from the current Government, in contrast with their predecessors. Would she able to address—this is a niche matter, but it is really important in some areas—the issue of abandoned boats? We have a serious problem in our section of the River Thames with sunken boats. When I walk along the river, I can often spot three or four of them. They are an environmental hazard. Fuel oil could get out of these boats.
Government Response
Mary Creagh
Government Response
The Minister outlined the Labour Government's strategy to combat waste crime, including a £45 million increase in the Environment Agency's enforcement budget over three years and doubling of its workforce. She mentioned initiatives such as mandatory digital waste tracking, tightening regulations on waste carriers, brokers and dealers, and introducing new police-style powers for earlier intervention against criminals. The Minister also discussed specific actions regarding illegal sites, fly-tipping fines, conditional cautions, clean-up squads, and insurance models to shield landowners from costs. She committed to addressing concerns raised by MPs about local waste issues.
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Assessment & feedback
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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.