Speeches by Gibson.

“Would it be sensible if the other 90% of the country—or at least those of us who flood but do not have drainage associations—had an overarching body that would address some of the concerns of local Environment Agency officers? Is that what you are suggesting? Those concerns could then be taken through to a slightly mor…”

“We have not quite decided which is the lead authority yet, have we?”

“Thank you. I see what you mean. It is about trying to get them to form a very specific and visible group, to give more trust and more transparency. Can I ask Tracey what value that local knowledge can bring to the flood risk planning and response? How can volunteer networks and flood groups be better supported to contr…”

“We can also secure continuity, which of course is always one of the problems with voluntary groups, is it not?”

“Thank you very much. That is very helpful.”

“I recently met a group of farmers and landowners in my constituency: the Bremhill Vales Farmers Group, who work with another group called BremZero. What is really interesting is that they are working with the Environment Agency on a project called Wiltshire Rural Run-off, where, as landowners, they are looking at mitig…”

“I am aware that our flood warden was trained by the Environment Agency, and I am absolutely not criticising the local Environment Agency officers and wardens in my area, in any way. They work tirelessly and are incredibly accessible. It is just about this disconnect that people feel in the case of emergency, and this k…”

“Mary, do you know of similar projects?”

“Graham, I do not know whether there is anything in your coastal areas that is similar.”

“Thank you. I see what you mean. It is about trying to get them to form a very specific and visible group, to give more trust and more transparency. Can I ask Tracey what value that local knowledge can bring to the flood risk planning and response? How can volunteer networks and flood groups be better supported to contr…”

“Thank you very much. That is very helpful.”

“We can also secure continuity, which of course is always one of the problems with voluntary groups, is it not?”

“We have not quite decided which is the lead authority yet, have we?”

“Would it be sensible if the other 90% of the country—or at least those of us who flood but do not have drainage associations—had an overarching body that would address some of the concerns of local Environment Agency officers? Is that what you are suggesting? Those concerns could then be taken through to a slightly mor…”

“I draw the Committee’s attention to the fact that the very complex Fire Safety Act 2021 was brought about following a serious fire caused by people who were supposed to be in charge of scrutinising product safety, but actually lied about it, presenting different products that were not part of the original product and w…”

“It is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Sir John. This is only my second Bill Committee, so please accept my apologies if I fail in any of the protocol. I want to make a small point on our new clause 9, which interestingly, being on the subject of the EU, is grouped with amendments tabled by the official Opp…”

“I beg to move amendment 36, in clause 2, page 3, line 6, at end insert— “(2A) Product regulations must include requirements in relation to an environmental impact assessment, and provisions related to the right to repair and the circular economy.” This amendment guarantees that future regulations under the Act will inc…”

“As Liberal Democrats, we are clear that the circular economy is not just a sustainability concept; it is a practical, forward-looking economic model that responds to the urgent challenges of waste, resource scarcity and climate change. At its core, the circular economy is about keeping resources in use for as long as p…”

“I thank the Minister. I have served on a Bill Committee with him before, and he knows how to appeal to the technical side of my expertise. He gave a compelling example, and I thank him for his consideration. I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”

“I thank the Minister for his response. Given that work is being done elsewhere on the circular economy, I beg to ask leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn.”