Speeches by Stephenson.

“That is very helpful—thank you.”

“That is very helpful—thank you.”

“You will know that DEFRA recently published a policy paper outlining their interim approach to the persistent, mobile and toxic concept to support UK REACH risk management for PFAS. I will start with you, Dr Cloy. You can make the other point that you wanted to make as well. What are your views on DEFRA’s interim posit…”

“Would changes to UK REACH help the UK respond more effectively to emerging chemical threats such as PFAS?”

“I am conscious that I have not asked you any questions, Ms Cottrell, and I do apologise. Do you have anything to add on my batch of questions?”

“I beg to move, That leave be given to bring in a Bill to make provision about the consideration of flooding risk in the planning process; to make internal drainage boards statutory consultees for certain planning decisions; and for connected purposes. During this Parliament, we have heard a lot about the problems in th…”

“T4. At the Foreign Affairs Committee yesterday, the Minister for the overseas territories, the hon. Member for Cardiff South and Penarth (Stephen Doughty), was unable to give clear guarantees about the future of the Chagos marine protected area once the sovereignty of the Chagos islands is surrendered to Mauritius. Doe…”

“Thank you, Chair. I am a guest from the Environmental Audit Committee. Thank you for coming along, Minister. I think the Chair has perhaps done the job for me on my first question, but could you explain to this Committee how important the marine protected area is to you and to this Government?”

“My final question is about the money. Is there going to be an additional cost attributable to the UK’s work with Mauritius to protect its environment that has not already been accounted for, above and beyond these vast numbers that we have been hearing?”

“I am conscious of time, but I have one or two more questions to ask. First, in relation to no catch, from what I saw in February, the fisheries Minister in Mauritius is quite open to issuing fisheries licences in the future. I think that probably goes beyond the fringes, which you were describing, in relation to the re…”

“I suppose I could phrase it in another way. Why not get comfortable with the agreement on environmental protections before you sign the treaty?”

“If these environmental protections are so important for both Governments, why have they not been central to the treaty, rather than dealt with on the sidelines afterwards?”

“Good. I am glad that you think it is important, and that you have confidence that the Mauritian Government think it is important too. We are lacking quite a lot of detail at the moment. On 2 April, Baroness Chapman came to the Environmental Audit Committee and said that she did not know what the future plans are for th…”

“The Government’s English devolution plans are intended to simplify local accountability. The reforms could be critical to improving democratic accountability for our integrated care boards and unlocking the delivery of much-needed healthcare facilities, such as a GP surgery in Wixams in my constituency. Will the Leader…”

“The Attorney General has recently been forced to apologise for his comments about those who believe the European convention on human rights is impeding efforts to tackle illegal migration. Does that not call into question the credibility of any advice given by the Attorney General and whether we can take the Government…”

“3. Whether the Attorney General has provided the Government with legal advice on immigration matters.”

“It was reported today that the Treasury may be planning to siphon money off from the water restoration fund for “unrelated purposes”. What assurance can the Secretary of State provide that money in the restoration fund will be used to clean up our waterways, not to cover rising Government debt interest?”

“I would like to explore the strategic plans that are in place, setting out levels of consumer demand and how you justify the need for expansion. I will turn to Mr McCourt to reflect on the industry as a whole, but, before I do that, can we perhaps just take a view from each of the airports that are represented? Mr Gorm…”

“Mr McCourt, I am interested to know how this all comes together at industry level across the whole of the UK. Of course, airports are run by separate companies. This is perhaps where you have a role to play. What strategic plans are in place for the industry as a whole across the UK?”

“I would like to explore the strategic plans that are in place, setting out levels of consumer demand and how you justify the need for expansion. I will turn to Mr McCourt to reflect on the industry as a whole, but, before I do that, can we perhaps just take a view from each of the airports that are represented? Mr Gorm…”