Written question asked by Andrew Mitchell (Conservative) on Monday, 6 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 8 July 2026. It was answered by Emma Hardy (Labour) on Friday, 10 July 2026 on behalf of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

Water: Sutton Park

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, what discussions her Department has had with Birmingham City Council on improving water safety at Sutton Park.

Answer: Responsibility for water safety and drowning prevention is shared across a range of organisations, including local authorities, emergency services, regulators, education partners and landowners. Defra's role primarily relates to the water environment and oversight of relevant arm's-length bodies. Defra supports the Environment Agency and Canal and River Trust, which undertake risk assessments and public safety campaigns to help people stay safe around water.

Secondary information