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Written question asked by Steve Reed (Labour) on Tuesday, 26 March 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 April 2024 (named day). It was answered by Steve Barclay (Conservative) on Wednesday, 17 April 2024 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Incinerators: Wisbech

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, on what date he recused himself from the decision-making process for the proposed MVV Environment incinerator construction in his constituency.

Answer

On 27 February 2024, following advice from the Permanent Secretary, I formally recused myself from any decisions relating to incinerator policy. I put in place with the Permanent Secretary a formal recusal process which means I have no involvement in any decisions or sight of advice related to incinerator policy. All decisions on this policy will be taken by a junior Minister in the department who has no relevant interest.

As I stated at the EFRA Select Committee on 26 March 2024, I had previously flagged my constituency interest, and had said the policy needed to be delegated to another minister, recognising the importance of the Ministerial Code in terms of conflicts of interests, and also the perception of any conflicts of interest. As soon as I was notified by the Permanent Secretary of the need to formally recuse myself, that is exactly what I did.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
20646
Session
2023-24
Subjects
Incinerators MVV Environment Wisbech
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk