Speaking in Tuesday’s Parliamentary debate on the UK Government’s Environment Bill, Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies referred to the devastating flooding of parts of Denbighshire last week and called for more responsibility to be placed on water companies and local authorities to plan how to manage flood risk more effectively.
Supporting the Bill and the focus that the UK Government are placing on our environment, James spoke of the damage caused in the constituency by the heavy rainfall of Storm Christoph and said this, and previous flooding events in the constituency, emphasise “the need for serious consideration of issues relating to water management.”
Taking part in the proceedings virtually, he said:
“In February 2020, I referred to flooding that had recently occurred in my constituency. Very regrettably, I must report that the heavy rainfall of Storm Christoph has brought further disruption to local residents and businesses.
“Last Wednesday, high waters flowing down the River Clwyd destroyed the 19th-century Llanerch bridge, connecting Trefnant and Tremeirchion. I have already raised the issue of that bridge’s future with my hon. Friend the Minister, the local authority, and the Welsh historic environment service, Cadw.
“Such devastating events highlight the need for serious consideration of issues relating to water management. Increasing the responsibility of water companies and local authorities to plan how to manage flood risk more effectively is one way to reduce the impact of future floods, and I ask the Government to seriously consider the value of amendment 42, tabled by my hon. Friend the Member for Broxbourne (Sir Charles Walker).”
During the debate, James also called for more to be done to tackle air pollution and single use plastics.
He said:
“I am pleased that the Bill further contributes to the Government’s commitment to tackle air pollution. Clean air zones and the clean air strategy are important, as are the provisions in this Bill, but I believe that more can, and perhaps should, be done.
“Many believe that the Government’s targets should match existing WHO guidelines and that this should be achieved by 2030. As the Bill stands, the Secretary of State will commission independent expert advice on an appropriate target. I would suggest that those advising the WHO are perhaps the most qualified that there are, and I would gently press the Minister to ensure that we set ambitious targets rather than convenient ones. A 2030 deadline would be yet another commitment that we could point to, showing that the UK was leading the world on environmental standards.”
On the reduction of single-use plastic, he added:
“I acknowledge that setting targets is an easier task than achieving them, but another goal that the Government can set is on plastic reduction.
“The key to meeting any single-use plastics target could be an efficient deposit return scheme (DRS). Delivery of a DRS could also be supported through the use of technology. In December, I wrote to the Minister inquiring about the use of barcodes and mobile phone apps to deliver a digital DRS, which could help to reduce street litter. I would value further engagement on this important issue.
“In the year that we host COP26 and chair the G7, this Bill is essential to show the United Kingdom’s true commitment to the environment. I hope that Ministers will consider the well-intentioned amendments that I have spoken about, and I trust that progress on the remaining stages of the Bill will be swift.”
