Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, whether he has made an assessment of the operational effectiveness of the Environment Agency.

The Environment Agency’s (EA) principal aim is to protect or enhance the environment and contribute to sustainable development. I am grateful for all the work the EA does to keep people safe during environmental and flooding emergencies to minimise serious and lasting damage to the environment and the communities it serves.

The department works closely with the EA at every level to assess its performance and delivery and provide constructive challenge and support.