Concerns remain along the Bognor Regis and Littlehampton coastline after the Baltic Klipper incident, with residents still reporting debris weeks on.

ExCo

Alison Griffiths MP met with Emma Hardy MP, Minister for Water and Flooding, to press for answers following the Baltic Klipper incident, as questions remain over costs, accountability, and what happens next.

Residents across Bognor Regis and Littlehampton are still reporting debris along the coastline, weeks after the initial clean-up.

Alison Griffiths MP meets Emma Hardy MP, Minister for Water and Flooding, to discuss the Baltic Klipper incident.

placeholder image — Alison Griffiths MP meets Emma Hardy MP, Minister for Water and Flooding, to discuss the Baltic Klipper incident.

At the time, volunteers, community groups, and local councils stepped in to clear affected beaches, with many continuing to raise concerns about the lasting impact.

Mrs Griffiths first raised the issue with the Prime Minister in Parliament and has now followed up directly with the Minister in charge.

After the meeting, which took place in the Minister's office at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs on Tuesday, she said the focus was on making sure those responsible cover the full cost.

“The question people keep asking me is simple: who pays,” she said.

“I was clear that our councils, and local taxpayers, cannot be left picking up the bill. Those responsible must bear the full cost of what happened.”

She said the Minister had agreed the polluter pays principle applies and had recognised concerns about delays leaving councils out of pocket, with further work now being taken forward.

Mrs Griffiths also pressed on whether the systems in place work in practice when incidents like this happen, and what now needs to change.

“What residents see on the ground doesn’t always match what we’re told should happen,” she said.

“That includes whether cargo is properly secured, and whether the inspections at port are strong enough in the first place.”

She also highlighted the role of local volunteers and community groups.

“People stepped in to protect our coastline. They should not have had to do that after a commercial incident, and that effort must be properly recognised.”

Mrs Griffiths said she would continue to push for answers and a fair outcome for the area.