Debates between Gavin Williamson and Steve Reed during the 2024 Parliament

Independent Water Commission

Debate between Gavin Williamson and Steve Reed
Wednesday 23rd October 2024

(1 month, 2 weeks ago)

Commons Chamber
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Gavin Williamson Portrait Sir Gavin Williamson (Stone, Great Wyrley and Penkridge) (Con)
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In my constituency we have beautiful rivers, including the great and mighty River Trent and the River Penk. Over the last few years, as more transparent data has become available, we have been able to see the number of sewage discharges going into those rivers. Will the Secretary of State promise the House that looking at how we can reduce sewage discharges into the Trent and the Penk will be at the heart of what the commission does?

Steve Reed Portrait Steve Reed
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It is always a pleasure, of course, to gaze at you, Mr Speaker, rather than elsewhere in the Chamber.

The right hon. Gentleman makes an important point. The point of the commission is to identify ways in which we can strengthen regulation and operations so that we can bring in the investment, clean up our water sector once and for all, and reduce and remove the pollution that is destroying so many beautiful rivers, including those in his constituency.