Commons Sense

House of Commons · Adjournment Debate

Flooding Preparedness: Yorkshire

30 September 2020 · 1 other contributor

Opened by Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North

Agriculture & Rural Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Dan Jarvis raised concerns about flooding preparedness: yorkshire in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.

Key points

  • Hon. Member Dan Jarvis addressed severe flooding in Barnsley and South Yorkshire, calling for comprehensive plans to address immediate needs and long-term flood prevention.
  • Minister Rebecca Pow acknowledged the severity of the flooding and highlighted the Government's commitment to flood risk management with significant investments across Yorkshire.
  • Minister noted a 5.2 billion investment plan over six years from 2021 for additional flood protection and emphasized the importance of natural flood management and tree planting.

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

Dan Jarvis Lab Barnsley North

The hon. Member Dan Jarvis addressed the Chair about the severe flooding in Barnsley and across South Yorkshire, highlighting the devastation caused to communities last winter. He detailed specific instances of flooding affecting homes and businesses, and called for a comprehensive plan from the national Government to address both immediate needs and long-term flood prevention measures. The MP stressed the need for investment in natural flood management strategies and advocated for substantial funding to support local initiatives.

Other contributors (1)
  • Edward Miliband Lab Doncaster North

    The right hon. Friend emphasised the human cost of flooding, referencing a visit with Dan Jarvis to an elderly woman's home in Bentley and urging for support from national government.

Government Response

Rebecca Pow

Minister Rebecca Pow acknowledged the severity of the situation and highlighted the Government’s commitment to flood risk management, noting significant investments across Yorkshire. She detailed specific projects and funding allocations in South, West, and East Yorkshire, including a £5.2 billion investment plan over six years from 2021 for additional protection. The Minister also emphasised the importance of natural flood management and tree planting as part of broader environmental strategies. She confirmed an upcoming flooding summit on October 8th to discuss further measures.

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