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Environment Agency: East of England
04 June 2025
Lead MP
Steve Barclay
North East Cambridgeshire
Con
Responding Minister
Emma Hardy
Tags
Employment
Word Count: 4094
Other Contributors: 5
At a Glance
Steve Barclay raised concerns about environment agency: east of england in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
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:
Lead Contributor
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.
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
Government Response
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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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.