Utilities & Water

Sewage pollution and the River Otter

Richard Foord raises sewage pollution affecting the River Otter in his Devon constituency during an adjournment debate. The debate allows him to press the government—likely the Environment Agency and water companies—on water quality failures and what action will be taken to prevent further contamination of this river.

Scottish Affairs Committee: Connectivity in Scotland: Fixed links

The Scottish Affairs Committee is examining how to improve fixed telecommunications and broadband connectivity across Scotland. Fixed links—fibre and cable infrastructure—are essential for rural and remote communities to access basic digital services, participate in the economy, and access public services. This inquiry will hear evidence on barriers to rollout, investment gaps, and what further government intervention may be needed.

Thames Water

Emma Reynolds will make a ministerial statement on Thames Water, the major water and sewerage company serving London and the South East. The statement will likely address operational issues, environmental performance, investment plans, or governance concerns affecting the company, which faces ongoing scrutiny over leaks, sewage discharges, and financial stability.

Water supply in Kent

Sojan Joseph, Labour MP for Ashford, is raising concerns about water supply challenges in Kent during a Westminster Hall debate. The session will allow scrutiny of water infrastructure, supply reliability, and related issues affecting the county, likely focusing on demands from population growth, environmental pressures, or service delivery by water companies operating in the region.

Water safety

Darren Paffey is leading a Westminster Hall debate on water safety. This backbench forum allows MPs to raise concerns about water quality, supply reliability, contamination risks, or regulation of water companies without requiring government legislation. The debate will likely cover issues affecting his Southampton Itchen constituency and potentially broader water sector governance.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the performance of the water sector

Labour MP Clive Lewis has tabled an urgent question calling on the Environment Secretary to explain water sector performance. The question signals concern about a major infrastructure sector affecting millions of households, likely touching on service quality, environmental compliance, leakage, bills, or recent regulatory action.

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs if she will make a statement on the disruption of water supplies to areas served by South East water during the Whitsun recess

An urgent question to the Environment Secretary about water supply failures affecting South East Water customers during the Whitsun recess. The question seeks clarification on what caused the disruption, how it was handled during the parliamentary break, and what steps the government is taking to prevent future incidents.

Science, Innovation and Technology Committee: Pre-appointment hearing for the Chair of Ofcom

The Science, Innovation and Technology Committee will hold a pre-appointment hearing to scrutinise the candidate nominated to chair Ofcom, the UK's communications regulator. The hearing allows MPs to question the appointee on their plans for regulating telecommunications, broadcasting, and postal services before the government formally confirms their appointment. This is a standard parliamentary check on major public appointments.

Scottish Affairs Committee: Connectivity in Scotland: Fixed links

The Scottish Affairs Committee is holding oral evidence sessions on fixed links connectivity in Scotland—examining physical infrastructure and network connections that enable reliable broadband and telecommunications access across the country. The inquiry focuses on how Scotland's geography, sparse population in rural areas, and existing infrastructure gaps affect the rollout and quality of fixed-line services to homes and businesses.

Water quality in Kent

This Westminster Hall debate examines water quality issues affecting Kent, raised by Tony Vaughan MP. The debate will explore current problems with water standards in the region and what action is needed to address them.

Government support for the cost of heating oil

This Westminster Hall debate examines government support for households facing high heating oil costs. The debate, sponsored by Liberal Democrat MP Steff Aquarone, will discuss whether current support measures are adequate for households dependent on oil heating, particularly those in rural areas without mains gas access.

Alternatives to ground mounted solar panels

This Westminster Hall debate, sponsored by Conservative MP Lincoln Jopp, examines alternatives to ground-mounted solar panels for generating renewable energy. The discussion will explore other solar deployment methods—such as rooftop installations, floating solar, and building-integrated photovoltaics—to address concerns about land use, agricultural impact, and public acceptance of large-scale solar farms.

Second Delegated Legislation Committee: The draft Energy Prices Act 2022 (Extension of Time Limit) Regulations 2026

This committee debate examines draft regulations to extend the time limit for powers under the Energy Prices Act 2022. The regulations allow the government to maintain flexibility in energy price support mechanisms beyond the original expiry date, affecting how energy price caps and emergency support are administered. The key question is whether an extension of these exceptional powers remains justified.

Scottish Affairs Committee: Connectivity in Scotland: Digital connectivity

The Scottish Affairs Committee is holding an oral evidence session on digital connectivity across Scotland. This inquiry examines the state of broadband and digital infrastructure in Scotland, identifying gaps in coverage and exploring what barriers exist to delivering high-speed internet access to all communities, particularly in rural and remote areas.