Water White Paper

That this House notes the publication of the Government’s Water White Paper; expresses concern at the poor condition of England’s rivers with only 16% of surface waters in England being classified as having Good Ecological Status or Potential; further notes that 40% of all water pollution is caused by agricultural practices; also notes with regret that only one page of the White Paper is dedicated to the issue of agricultural water pollution; recognises that farmers are essential stewards of land and water and many of them have contributed to finding solutions for river-friendly farming; urges the Government to provide consistent and sufficient long-term funding to support farmers to move to nature-friendly and river-friendly farming methods including through Landscape Recovery schemes; and further urges the Government to ensure that the Environment Agency and other regulators have sufficient funding and powers to prevent water pollution.