Storm Bert

Joshua Reynolds Excerpts

Monday 25th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Steve Reed]

We can take that into account when we look at the flooding formula, but I am sure the hon. Lady will welcome, as I do, the additional £60 million in the Budget for farmers who have been affected by the severe levels of flooding experienced earlier in the year.

[Mr Joshua Reynolds (Maidenhead) (LD)]

The advice from Great Western Railway this morning was not to travel. Following the question from my hon. Friend the Member for Hazel Grove (Lisa Smart), how many meetings has the Secretary of State had with the Transport Secretary about the resilience of Great Western Railway?

Budget: Implications for Farming Communities

Joshua Reynolds Excerpts

Monday 4th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Daniel Zeichner]

As the hon. Gentleman knows, a whole range of factors go into food prices. What is very good news is the establishment of GB Energy and a move to a much more affordable and reliable form of power for farmers as well as our consumers. We will all be better off.

[Mr Joshua Reynolds (Maidenhead) (LD)]

On Friday, I visited an agricultural college in my constituency, where I heard concerns about how the changes in this Budget will potentially strip an industry of young farmers. What discussions did the Minister have with farming stakeholders on changes to the agricultural property relief prior to the Budget?

[Daniel Zeichner]

The hon. Gentleman will know that tax discussions during the run-up to a Budget are a delicate issue. However, there was no shortage of discussion in newspaper columns across the country, so there has clearly been discussion. Younger people who want to go into farming face real obstacles, and this change could help.

[Mr Joshua Reynolds]

indicated dissent.

[Daniel Zeichner]

The hon. Gentleman shakes his head but, if he talks to people who know about these issues, they agree with me.

Independent Water Commission

Joshua Reynolds Excerpts

Wednesday 23rd October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Steve Reed]

I thank the residents of my hon. Friend’s constituency and those in other constituencies who are taking action for themselves against flooding. We have already set up and held the first meeting of the flood resilience taskforce, which will be seeking to provide better co-ordination between central Government—where the resources are held—and those local agencies on the ground charged with improving work to protect people from the very damaging effects of serious flooding.

[Mr Joshua Reynolds (Maidenhead) (LD)]

Last year, water company bosses in England and Wales were paid £9.1 million in bonuses. That is while Thames Water proposes a 59% increase in customer bills by 2030. Does the Secretary of State therefore understand why many residents in our constituencies have lost faith in the regulator’s ability to control these powerful firms and will he commit to replacing the regulator with one that has some teeth?

[Steve Reed]

I certainly agree that residents have lost confidence not just in the regulators but in the water system at large, which is why we have set up this commission to look at how we can get regulation that is fit for purpose for the future.

Oral Answers to Questions

Joshua Reynolds Excerpts

Thursday 12th September 2024 Commons Chamber

[Steve Reed]

I will happily ensure that my hon. Friend gets a meeting, perhaps with our hon. Friend the Member for South Norfolk (Ben Goldsborough), to discuss the issue in her region.

[Mr Joshua Reynolds (Maidenhead) (LD)]

Before the school summer holidays, 26 year 3 students at Holy Trinity primary school in Cookham wrote to me about sewage in the Thames. They are really concerned that water companies are allowed to get away with putting sewage in our water. Will the Minister meet me and students at Holy Trinity to discuss their concerns?

[Emma Hardy]

As a former primary school teacher, how can I not say yes to a meeting with the students from my hon. Friend’s constituency? I am already looking forward to it.