VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Oil: Pollution

Asked by Neil Duncan-JordanLabourDepartment for Environment, Food and Rural AffairsTabled Answered 29 June 2026UIN 13070

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what the maximum fine that can be issued as a Variable Monetary Penalty for an onshore oil spill is.

Answered by Emma Hardy

On the 1 December 2023 legislation was changed to introduce unlimited variable monetary penalties. This applies to Environment Agency enforcement responses to onshore oil spills in England.

Further information can be found here:- Annex 1: RES Act – the Environment Agency's approach to applying civil sanctions and accepting enforcement undertakings - GOV.UK.

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