Westminster is gearing up for a busy week filled with important discussions. Several committees, including the Public Accounts Committee, Environment and Climate Change Committee, and the Environmental Audit Committee, will gather evidence on key issues like environmental regulation, drought preparedness, and the risks of PFAS—often referred to as “forever chemicals.”
On Tuesday, February 2, the Public Accounts Committee will meet with experts from the Environment Agency and Natural England, along with representatives from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). They’ll focus on how environmental regulations are shaped and enforced.
Here’s who will testify:
- Paul Kissack, Permanent Secretary at Defra
- Sally Randall, Director General at Defra
- Philip Duffy, Chief Executive at the Environment Agency
- Marian Spain, Chief Executive at Natural England
Moving to Wednesday, February 3, the Industry and Regulators Committee will delve into how regulators influence economic growth. The session starts at 10:30 AM, featuring:
- Rebecca Shrubsole, Director for Ministerial, Growth & Resilience at Defra
- John Fingleton CBE, Chair at Fingleton
- Dan Corry OBE, Non-Executive Director at Defra
Later that morning, the Environment and Climate Change Committee will continue its inquiry on drought preparedness. They’ll hear from the Environment Agency and Ofwat, beginning at 10:00 AM, with witnesses including:
- Helen Wakeham, Director of Water at Environment Agency
- Paul Hickey, Managing Director of RAPID at Ofwat
That afternoon, the Environmental Audit Committee will tackle the risks associated with PFAS. The session starts at 2:30 PM, and speakers include:
- Liz Parkes MBE, Deputy Director for Climate Change, Chemicals & Markets at Environment Agency
- Matt Womersley, Environment and Business Manager at Environment Agency
- Richard Daniels, Divisional Director at Health and Safety Executive
- Emma Hardy MP, Minister for Water and Flooding at Defra
- Marc Casale, Deputy Director at Defra
Recent studies highlight the harmful effects of PFAS. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, these chemicals have been linked to various health issues, including immune system effects and developmental problems in children. This inquiry is vital for understanding how the UK can better manage these risks.
For those interested in following these sessions, details are available on the UK Parliament website. You can also catch the evidence sessions live or later on Parliament TV.
This week’s discussions could shape future policies on environmental health and safety, underscoring the importance of transparent and effective regulation.
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