Commons Sense

House of Commons · General Debate

Flooding 2026-01-28

28 January 2026 · 1 other contributor

Opened by George Freeman Con Mid Norfolk

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

George Freeman raised concerns about flooding 2026-01-28 in the House of Commons. Other MPs contributed to the debate.

Key points

  • Concerns raised about inland flooding from surface water run-off in Norfolk
  • Problem increasing annually due to climate change and inadequate funding
  • Bill aims to address responsibilities, funding, planning, and data related to flooding

How the debate unfolded

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

Opened the debate

George Freeman Con Mid Norfolk

Mr Speaker, when you hear “Norfolk” and “floods”, I imagine that, like most, you think of coastal flooding, salt marsh flooding, storm tides eroding our cliffs, river flooding and the broads, but not inland flooding from surface water run-off overloading drains and sewers, which is all too often overlooked, and which is why I am introducing this Bill. Over the last decade or so we have seen a spate of inland surface flooding in 23 of my 130 villages, and the problem is increasing every year due to climate change, inadequate funding for internal drainage boards and local flood authorities, relinquishing of riparian rights, and new housing developments without proper infrastructure investment. The Bill aims to address responsibilities, funding, planning, national and local data and flood mapping, embolden the Minister to take this opportunity to make key reforms essential to avoid a growing crisis worsening to calamitous levels.

Other contributors (1)
  • George Freeman Con Mid Norfolk

    Mr Speaker, when you hear “Norfolk” and “floods”, I imagine that, like most, you think of coastal flooding, salt marsh flooding, storm tides eroding our cliffs, river flooding and the broads, but not inland flooding from surface water run-off overloading drains and sewers. Over the last decade or so we have seen a spate of inland surface flooding in 23 of my 130 villages, and the problem is increasing every year due to climate change, inadequate funding for internal drainage boards and local flood authorities, relinquishing of riparian rights, and new housing developments without proper infrastructure investment. The Bill aims to address responsibilities, funding, planning, national and local data and flood mapping, embolden the Minister to take this opportunity to make key reforms essential to avoid a growing crisis worsening to calamitous levels.

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