Storm Goretti 2026-01-13

Question

The MP has described the impact of Storm Goretti on Cornish communities. He points out that if similar destruction had occurred in London or the home counties, it would have received more media coverage and potentially a national emergency declaration. The MP also raises concerns about unreliable utility company reports regarding reconnected homes and the reliance on digital communication systems which were cut off during the storm, leaving many isolated and unable to communicate their vulnerability.

Question

The MP thanks the emergency services, volunteers, and everyone in Cornwall for their response during Storm Goretti. She highlights the exposure of vulnerabilities in infrastructure and emergency planning due to unreliable communications technology post-digital shift and failure without power. The MP asks if satellite communication could be prioritised for future incidents given climate change impacts.

Question

Will the Minister commit to a comprehensive cross-departmental review of the resilience of essential Cornish and Scillonian infrastructure, communications, and priority list support?

Question

Does the Minister agree that this storm exposes vulnerabilities in our energy, water, and communications infrastructure? Will he ensure that flooding issues are reflected in farming recovery funding criteria and increase the environmental land management schemes budget?

Question

Will the Government prioritise vulnerable households during severe weather events to ensure faster restoration times?

Question

The MP thanks emergency services for their work during the storm. He raises concerns about unacceptably slow restoration of infrastructure such as rail lines, broadband, and phone lines in Cornwall four days after the storm. Will the Minister confirm a commitment to build infrastructure resilience in Cornwall?

Question

The MP congratulates Andrew George on securing the urgent question and criticises the lack of a Cobra meeting or national emergency declaration. He mentions that his constituents did not receive emergency alerts and raises concerns about the unfairness of the Bellwin scheme for larger authorities like Cornwall Council, facing real-terms budget cuts over three years. Will the Government commit to emergency financial support?

Question

The MP mentions severe coastal erosion affecting several homes in Suffolk Coastal, with one home demolished due to storm-induced erosion. Will the Minister meet to discuss issues such as the coastal erosion assistance grant and how it can support affected communities?

Question

The MP thanks local services for their efforts during the storm and mentions 10,000 homes losing power at its peak. He raises issues with fallen trees blocking M54 and main railway lines into Birmingham, suggesting a review of chainsaws available to Network Rail, Highways England, and National Grid.

Question

The MP mentions connectivity issues following a recent storm in Scotland where islanders on the isle of Tiree were without connection for six days. She asks if the Minister will look at resilience and ensure better future activity.

Question

The MP expresses concern about Caithness being completely cut off during the storm. He suggests that Cobra should formally look at why the Scottish Government was ill-prepared for such a major disaster.

Question

The MP mentions the disgraceful response of Staffordshire county council during Storm Goretti, noting poor preparations and empty grit bins. He asks what pressure can be applied to ensure better community safety in future bad weather.

Question

Dollimore highlighted that people in Sussex and Kent are still without water due to power outages caused by Storm Goretti, despite brief interruptions. She questioned the current ranking of loss of water supply on the national risk register, suggesting it may need reconsideration.

Question

Brown-Fuller raised concerns about shipping containers being lost off the south coast during Storm Goretti, posing risks to public safety and the environment. She asked what lessons can be learned regarding maritime resilience.

Question

Shannon raised concerns about travel disruptions caused by Storm Goretti, with many flights being cancelled at Heathrow and other airports. He suggested that there should be pre-warning for such events to avoid unnecessary journeys.