VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Water: Regulation

Asked by Dr Simon OpherLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 4 November 2025UIN 86368

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what steps her Department is taking to consult with recreational user groups during the development of the proposed White Paper on water reform.

Answered by Emma Hardy

The Government is considering the approach to improving access to nature, including for recreational water users, and is committed to working with stakeholders as this develops.

Extensive consultation with stakeholders took place during the Independent Water Commission’s review of the water sector. The government will continue to engage key stakeholders as it develops its full policy response to the recommendations.

A new partnership between Government, the sector, investors and communities will deliver the change the public expects.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim