Press release

Statement on Owen Paterson

Statement on the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, who requires emergency surgery to repair a detached retina

• From: Prime Minister's Office, 10 Downing Street, Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (2018 to 2021) and The Rt Hon Owen Paterson
• Published: 5 February 2014

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

A Downing Street Spokesperson said:

Environment Secretary Owen Paterson was due to chair COBR tomorrow and make a statement to the house.

Unfortunately due to emergency surgery to repair a detached retina he will be unable to do so. He is expected to be off for a few days.

In his absence, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles will be in charge of the Government’s response to the floods. He will chair tomorrow afternoon’s COBR. However, the Prime Minister will remain very closely involved.

Published 5 February 2014