Business of the House

Toby Perkins Excerpts

Thursday 29th January 2026 Commons Chamber

[Sir Alan Campbell]

Alongside partners in the emergency services, local authorities and utility companies, we co-ordinated agencies, so that they could prepare for and respond to the storm, and our hearts go out to those who have been severely affected. As far as the Bellwin scheme is concerned, I will draw the hon. Gentleman’s remarks to the attention of the Minister.

[Mr Toby Perkins (Chesterfield) (Lab)]

Two weeks ago, the Office for Environmental Protection announced its annual report to Parliament. It found that the country remains off track for the 2030 targets. It also found that this Government were making good progress in some areas, but colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs appear to wish to hide their light under a bushel, because we did not get a statement in the House on that, or on the environmental improvement plan. Will the Leader of the House have a word with DEFRA colleagues about ensuring that these important landmarks get a statement? In the absence of that, can we have a debate in Government time on the OEP report and the important environmental improvement plan?

[Sir Alan Campbell]

I pay tribute to my hon. Friend for all the work he does on these issues. He raises a very important matter, and I am confident that DEFRA Ministers want to keep the House updated on our environmental improvement plan. We have ambitious targets, and I will make sure that Ministers have heard his request for a statement.