Calum Miller MP secures commitment from Prime Minister on PFAS contamination at Upper Heyford

Calum Miller MP has secured a commitment from the Prime Minister that both the Health Secretary and Environment Secretary will meet with him to discuss serious concerns over PFAS contamination at Upper Heyford.

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions today, Mr Miller raised the case of residents living near the former RAF Upper Heyford site, where PFAS chemical contamination has been recorded at levels reported to be up to 43,000 times higher than the safe limit.

PFAS, often known as “forever chemicals”, have been linked to serious environmental and health concerns. Residents in Upper Heyford have been pressing for answers about the extent of contamination, the adequacy of testing and the possible long-term impact on local people, animals and the surrounding environment.

Mr Miller asked the Prime Minister to ensure that the new Health Secretary, James Murray MP, and the Environment Secretary, Emma Reynolds MP, meet with him urgently to discuss the situation.

In response, the Prime Minister agreed that the issue was important and confirmed that the meeting should take place.

Mr Miller has previously written to ministers and public agencies about PFAS contamination at Upper Heyford, raising concerns that Environment Agency testing has not gone far enough to establish the full extent of the risk. He has also highlighted residents’ reports of long-running health concerns and animal illness in the area.

Commenting after Prime Minister’s Questions, Calum Miller MP said:

“Residents in Upper Heyford are right to sound the alarm bells over the contamination levels of PFAS. My constituents deserve clear answers, proper testing and a Government response that treats this with the seriousness it deserves.

“Today I asked the Prime Minister to ensure both the Health Secretary and Environment Secretary meet with me to discuss this case. I am pleased he agreed.

“This cannot be allowed to fall between the cracks of Government departments. PFAS contamination is both an environmental issue and a public health issue. That is why we need joined-up action from Government, the Environment Agency and health officials.

“I will keep pushing until residents have clarity on the risks, confidence that testing is being done properly and a clear plan to prevent any long-term impact on local people.”

PFAS chemicals have been widely used in industrial processes and firefighting foams, including at former military sites. They are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not easily break down in the environment, lasting for hundreds of years.