Oral Answers to Questions

Calum Miller Excerpts

Wednesday 20th May 2026 Commons Chamber

[The Prime Minister]

I thank my hon. Friend for raising this issue, because the Government are cracking down on disgraceful waste criminals through, for instance, tougher penalties for fly-tippers—including service in clean-up squads, and the potential loss of their driving licences—more powers and funding for the Environment Agency, and stronger checks across the industry to tackle fly-tipping at its source.

[Calum Miller (Bicester and Woodstock) (LD)]

Q9. Gallos brook in my constituency has the highest concentration of forever chemicals in the country. The BBC has reported today that the concentrations are 47,000 times higher than the environmental quality standard. However, the Environment Agency has no plan for regular monitoring. A stream flows through the garden of my constituent Leigh. She has suffered from ill health for eight years. She took in chickens; they have died. She had a dog; it developed a tumour and died. She is concerned that she may be poisoning her neighbours when she gives them vegetables. Will the Prime Minister agree to ask the Environment and Health Secretaries to meet my constituents and me to explore what more can be done?

[The Prime Minister]

Yes, I will, and I thank the hon. Gentleman for raising the issue. I will ensure that the detail is looked at, and that appropriate steps are taken. May I also take this opportunity, through the hon. Gentleman, to mark the tragic anniversary of the devastating fire in his constituency? I know that the thoughts of the whole House remain with the families and colleagues of Martyn, Jennie and Dave, and I know that he has done a lot to support them.