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Water Scarcity
09 December 2025
Lead MP
John Milne
Horsham
LD
Responding Minister
Emma Hardy
Tags
EconomyClimate
Word Count: 13642
Other Contributors: 16
At a Glance
John Milne raised concerns about water scarcity in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
The Government needs to look at measures such as mandatory rainwater harvesting on new homes and major renovations to reduce pressure on reservoirs and the need for river abstraction. Additionally, a timetable for reforming permitted development rights for farm reservoirs should be provided.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
The UK is experiencing a water shortage despite complaining about the rain. This year was the hottest and driest spring on record, causing farmers to lose £800 million due to drought. By 2050, there will be a national supply-demand deficit approaching 5 billion litres per day unless action is taken. Currently, 40% of groundwater bodies are over-extracted, and only 16% of England’s surface waters are in good ecological status.
Mid Sussex
Discussed concerns about South East Water's handling of the Tunbridge Wells crisis, noting that the company failed to invest properly and maintain its network. Raised questions about a proposed pipeline project in Mid Sussex. Asked if the Minister supported Liberal Democrat calls for the chief executive of South East Water to resign over the issue of water scarcity in Tunbridge Wells.
Anna Dixon
Lab
Leeds North West
Supports the need to manage water systems effectively to ensure that locks like Bingley Five Rise remain operational despite water scarcity. Asked Jim Shannon if he agreed with her that companies such as Kelda Holdings should not be involved in water, due to their lack of transparency and large secret bonuses for chief executives. Asks if Yorkshire Water has failed to invest in necessary infrastructure due to climate change and rising demand, highlighting the need for investment in water supply infrastructure. Complimented the Minister's efforts and urged her to consider recommendations from the People’s Commission on the Water Sector before finalising the water White Paper.
Chris Hinchliff
Lab
North East Hertfordshire
Recognised that chalk streams are in poor ecological status due to over-abstraction, and called for a chalk streams-first approach to water resource management. Highlighted the need to respect environmental boundaries in planning and make efficient use of grey water. Encouraged the Minister to visit his constituency to see efforts being made to restore chalk streams and improve water resilience strategies.
Winchester
Highlighted climate change issues such as outdoor fires and wildfires in Hampshire and Isle of Wight due to water scarcity and increased temperatures, affecting water resources.
West Dorset
Suggested using pre-pipe solutions as recommended by the Independent Water Commission’s recommendation 10, including mandatory rainwater harvesting on new homes and major renovations to capture water at source.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Discussed the issues of flooding in Chippenham and water scarcity in Tunbridge Wells, highlighting ongoing government efforts to address these crises. Discussed the People's Commission report, highlighted transparency issues in executive remuneration and the Canal and River Trust's challenges due to drought.
Newcastle-under Lyme
The south-east has been designated as water stressed since 2021, with weather volatility causing frequent droughts and floods. This affects both low-lying coastal areas and inland communities. Asked Jim Shannon if he would join her in asking the Minister about Southern Water's boss receiving a significant pay rise, suggesting private companies will always find workarounds unless water company structures are changed. Raises concern about new developments like Bosham that lack adequate sewerage and drainage capacity while more sewage is dumped into protected landscapes. Urges water companies to play a role in planning decisions before houses are brought online.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Shannon thanks the hon. Member for Horsham for initiating the debate and acknowledges the Minister's responses, although noting she has no responsibility for Northern Ireland matters.
John Milne
SNP
Glasgow North West
Thanked the Minister for her response and emphasized the need for long-term thinking on water scarcity, stressing the importance of national attention despite local diversities in issues.
Lisa Smart
LD
Hazel Grove
Highlights the impact of water scarcity on UK canals, advocating for their protection and preservation as cultural and historical assets.
Mims Davies
Con
East Grinstead and Uckfield
South East Water wants to build an overland emergency pipe but there has been no consultation with businesses, residents, or the Bluebell railway line. The water company needs more openness and transparency.
South Cambridgeshire
Heylings highlights water scarcity in South Cambridgeshire, especially concerning chalk streams and development plans. She calls for alignment between growth and water resource plans, increased supply through new infrastructure, reduced demand via tackling leakage, and better governance to ensure proper alignment.
Robbie Moore
Con
Keighley and Ilkley
Stresses the importance of water security and resilience, discussing population growth, infrastructure challenges, and regulatory issues preventing large-scale water storage projects. New reservoirs are needed but a broader conversation about valuing water is necessary. Smaller-scale projects on private land could incentivise farmers to store water, providing flexibility for the Government's water storage objectives. Asked the Minister to commit to working with her colleagues to remove the one-year break clause in landscape recovery schemes, which makes it difficult for farmers to sign up.
Sarah Gibson
Con
Chippenham
Raises concerns about frequent outages in Lyneham due to Thames Water's inefficiency, urging water companies to provide better information to residents. Highlights ongoing issues with flooding in Chippenham, emphasizing the need for funding for flood resilience.
North Norfolk
Climate change impacts farmers’ access to water abstraction, affecting food production and security. Permitted development rights need urgent review to make it easier for farmers to build on-farm reservoirs.
Tim Farron
LD
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Questions whether DEFRA's budget cut affects farming or flood investment, and presses for a strong regulator that water companies actually fear in the upcoming White Paper.
Government Response
Emma Hardy
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government Response
Water scarcity is a pressing issue due to climate change. The national drought group brings together stakeholders to address issues, aiming for strong targets on leakage reduction: 20% by 2027, 30% by 2032, and 50% by 2050 compared to the baseline of 2017-2018. Discussed ongoing efforts to address flooding in Chippenham and water scarcity issues in Tunbridge Wells. Mentioned chairing a multi-agency response to ensure customer protection and compensation under the guaranteed standards scheme. Highlighted plans for reducing abstraction from chalk streams, improving leakage reduction targets, and streamlining regulatory approaches through an upcoming White Paper.
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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.