Environment Agency refuses to reveal directors’ possible conflicts of interest

Sewage foam on the River Thames. Ash Smith, a campaigner, said transparency was necessary because EA staff have gone on to work for water companies. Photograph: Maureen McLean/REX/Shutterstock

The Environment Agency is refusing to provide campaigners with details of potential conflicts of interests with water companies held by its directors across England.

The refusal to provide the information comes after the head of the agency, Philip Duffy, admitted that freedom of information requests have been buried by the regulator because the truth about the environment in England is “embarrassing”.