Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Lowestoft Tidal Flood Barrier

20 January 2020 · 3 other contributors

Opened by Peter Aldous Con Waveney

ClimateAgriculture & Rural AffairsEnvironment

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Peter Aldous raised concerns about lowestoft tidal flood barrier in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • The purpose of the debate is to highlight the need for a tidal flood barrier in Lowestoft to protect homes and businesses from flooding.
  • East Suffolk Council has prepared a flood risk management project including the barrier, but it is only partially funded, requiring further investment.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of the Lowestoft tidal barrier scheme and committed to supporting the project, noting that Stage 2 requires an additional 43 million for completion by 2025.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Peter Aldous Con Waveney

The purpose of this debate is to highlight the critical need for a tidal flood barrier in Lowestoft. This project will protect many homes and businesses from flooding, act as a catalyst for inward investment in offshore wind sector, post-Brexit fishing industry, and town centre regeneration. East Suffolk Council has prepared a flood risk management project that includes the barrier but it is only partially funded, necessitating further funding to complete it. The MP emphasised the national context of flood defence, highlighting government commitments of £40 billion towards flood defences as mentioned in the Conservative manifesto and Queen’s Speech. He also referenced historical floods (1953 and 2013) and their devastating impacts on Lowestoft, stressing that such events will recur due to rising sea levels and climate change necessitating urgent investment for resilience. The project's benefits include job creation, economic growth, and protection of vital infrastructure.

Other contributors (3)
  • Ian Paisley Jnr DUP North Antrim

    Asked about predictions of tidal surge in the area and their potential impact.

  • Jim Shannon Alliance Strangford

    Stressed that the Government must find money to address coastal erosion concerns before they reach crisis point. Emphasised the economic damage caused by tidal surges on businesses in Lowestoft and its supply chains.

  • Daniel Poulter Con Surbiton

    Commended Peter Aldous for advocating for his constituents and highlighted that coastal storms can have a devastating impact on homeowners and businesses, extending far outside of Lowestoft into central Suffolk.

Government Response

Rebecca Pow

Minister recognised the work done by East Suffolk Council in managing flood risk and acknowledged the importance of the Lowestoft tidal barrier scheme. Stage 1 of the project, focusing on river and surface water flooding protection and tidal wall construction, is fully funded (£16 million) with DEFRA contributing £2 million. Stage 2 requires an additional £43 million for completion by 2025 due to maintaining harbour operations during construction phases. Minister committed to supporting the partnership in securing further funding and highlighted government’s commitment to flood spending (£2.6 billion over six years until 2021, saving economy more than £30 billion). She reiterated that DEFRA does not fill individual project funding gaps but aims for fair distribution of available funds across needs nationwide.

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