PM agrees ‘forever chemical’ talks after tests near Bicester

Speaking at Prime Minister’s Questions on Wednesday, Bicester MP Calum Miller raised the case of fresh water testing showing elevated levels of per-and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), 300m from the former RAF Upper Heyford site.

The independently commissioned test, analyses by an accredited laboratory, showed levels up to 43,000 times higher than the safe limit.

These chemicals, which do not breakdown in the environment, accumulate in the body and are linked to cancers. They are commonly associated with Aqueous Film Forming foam, a type of fire fighting foam, which would have likely been used at the base during its operation from 1918 to 1994.

READ MORE: ‘Forever chemicals’ 40 times higher than thought near homes

Residents 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 said: “A stream flows through the garden of my constituent Leigh.

“She has suffered from ill health for eight years. She took in chickens and they have died.

“She had a dog. It developed a tumour and died. She is concerned that she may be poisoning her neighbours when she gives them vegetables.”

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.

Sir Keir Starmer said he “will ensure the detail is looked at and that appropriate steps are taken”.

Mr Miller, who had previously written to ministers and public agencies about the contamination, raising concerns that Environment Agency testing has not gone far enough to establish the full extent of the risk.

He added: “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 (EA) 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.”

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer (Danny Lawson/PA) (Image: Danny Lawson/PA)

Despite this, development on the former site is already underway, with 1,200 of a proposed 13,000 homes built by Dorchester Living.

The developed said extensive remediation works have already been completed in partnership with authorities, including boreholes and testing of groundwater and soils.

It said: “As with many former airfields, the site’s history means that legacy contamination has been identified as a potential risk.

“Our environmental assessments and Ground Conditions studies have already accounted for this, confirming that further targeted investigation is appropriate in specific areas.”