The Environment Food and rural Affairs Committee met again on Tuesday to quiz Environment Agency bosses on crucial issues such as sewage and air quality.

Sitting before the committee were Emma Howard Boyd, Chair of the EA, and Sir James Bevan, Chief Executive of the EA.  

Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, asked them about what they need to better protect people from flooding, how they can hold water companies to account on pumping sewage into waterways, and about rural mental health.  

The one-off hearing straddled a range of issues with cross party committee MPs questioning the agency bosses. The evidence will help inform the future of the body when the EFRA Committee present their findings to Government.

Dr Neil Hudson MP said:

“I think this session showed just how important the work we do on the EFRA Committee is to people, not just in the countryside but in towns and cities too. Everyone can appreciate the need for clear air and clean rivers.  

“Sewage pollution of rivers is an absolute scourge on the UK and it’s an issue I’ve been fighting hard on. So, it was heartening to hear that, thanks to public outcry, the problem is being taken more seriously and the EA is being more proactive on the issue. In Penrith and The Border we have some of the most beautiful waterways in the country and I’m proud to be playing my part in making sure we leave them better off than we found them”  

“Robust but fair scrutiny is crucial to better governance and so I would like to extend my thanks to both Emma Boyd and James Bevan for their attendance.”