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Storm Arwen
01 December 2021
Lead MP
Kwasi Kwarteng
Debate Type
Ministerial Statement
Tags
ClimateEnergy
Other Contributors: 23
At a Glance
Kwasi Kwarteng raised concerns about storm arwen in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Government Statement
Storm Arwen caused severe electricity disruptions affecting over 935,000 customers across the UK. Over 3 people tragically lost their lives due to incidents related to the storm. As of now, more than 95% of affected individuals have had power restored; however, around 30,000 customers are still without electricity, primarily in northern England and Scotland. The minister assured that restoration would continue as swiftly as possible with mutual aid agreements among network operators ensuring resource sharing. Emergency responders provided essential support to those impacted, and people can contact their local network operator by dialling 105 for updates. Compensation details are available on the Ofgem website. BEIS will review lessons learned from Storm Arwen to enhance future resilience of power systems.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Question
Does the Secretary of State believe there is enough support for vulnerable individuals during power outages? Can he estimate how long it will take to restore power to those still without electricity, and what plans are in place if further assistance from the Army or other resources becomes necessary?
Minister reply
The minister acknowledged the ongoing efforts to provide support but did not explicitly state whether military assistance would be called upon. He emphasised that restoration is progressing and most customers will have power within a day or two, while others may take slightly longer.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Question
Regarding post-2015 storm recommendations, how satisfied is the Secretary of State that district network operators are adequately sharing resources and personnel? What assessment does he have on the vulnerability of overhead power lines?
Minister reply
The minister confirmed resource sharing through mutual aid agreements among network operators but did not provide specific details. He expressed a need to review power line vulnerabilities post Storm Arwen.
Ed Miliband
Lab
Doncaster North
Question
I thank the Secretary of State for his statement. Let me first join him in sending my condolences to the victims who have tragically died during Storm Arwen and to their families. I express my sympathy to all those who have lost power and are suffering during this crisis... (full question provided above)
Minister reply
On the situation with regard to the climate change emergency, the right hon. Gentleman and I have very similar views... (full answer provided above)
Andrew Bowie
Con
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Question
May I echo the words of my right hon. Friend in thanking all those in our emergency services and the local authority workers who went out over the weekend... (full question provided above)
Minister reply
My hon. Friend will accept that we are in an extreme situation. He will also know that I have spoken to Mr Alistair Phillips-Davies, who is the head of SSE... (full answer provided above)
Dave Doogan
SNP
Angus and Perthshire Glens
Question
I thank the Minister for advance sight of his statement. This storm was of incredible strength when it hit us on Friday night, with the north-eastern parts of Scotland and England being especially in the full face of the gale... (full question provided above)
Minister reply
I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s remarks and pay tribute, as he does, not only to the fortitude of many of his constituents and other people in Scotland, but to the tireless efforts of the engineers, the voluntary staff and the DNO in this instance, SSE... (full answer provided above)
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Question
In my constituency and further afield, areas such as Alston, Garrigill, Nenthead, Kirkby Stephen, Matterdale and North Stainmore have been hard-hit by the power crisis... (full question provided above)
Minister reply
My hon. Friend will know that this is a matter of grave concern and focus for the Government. He will also appreciate that Electricity North West has done a reasonable job in restoring power to 95% of people affected, but clearly we want to work harder... (full answer provided above)
Tim Farron
Lib Dem
Westmorland and Lonsdale
Question
Expresses condolences for those affected by Storm Arwen, highlights the ongoing power outages in Cumbria, expresses gratitude towards Electricity North West engineers, and requests that the Army be tasked to support repairs, provide emergency accommodation, and supply generators.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the efforts of local resilience forums and confirms that 150 generators have been provided by Electricity North West. Offers to task more resources as per guidance from local authorities.
Richard Holden
Con
Basildon and Billericay
Question
Thanks the Minister for addressing Storm Arwen's impact, highlights the local community’s efforts in Basildon, mentions a rural surgery losing £10,000 worth of vaccines due to power loss, and requests that isolated communities be reconnected before Christmas.
Minister reply
Commits to engaging with health and education sectors regarding supply issues. Reiterates commitment to resolving electricity outages before Christmas.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Question
Acknowledges the Minister's statement, highlights ongoing power outages in several areas of her constituency, requests direct lines for MPs to obtain detailed information from DNOs.
Minister reply
Promises to facilitate better communication channels between MPs and DNOs. Acknowledges efforts made by Northern Powergrid CEO.
Question
Thanks the Minister for meeting yesterday, highlights ongoing power outages in High Peak, praises the local resilience forum's effort, requests all necessary resources from the Government.
Minister reply
Commits to resolving power issues swiftly and acknowledges that 95% of affected areas now have electricity restored.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Question
Acknowledges efforts by emergency workers, requests details on the steps taken during red weather warning, highlights inadequate planning and foresight.
Minister reply
Defends local resilience forums' response as effective and dedicated despite criticism.
Question
Highlights ongoing power outages in his constituency, requests Government support based on local resilience forum advice, stresses the need for improved communication channels.
Minister reply
Commits to improving communication channels with DNOs and local authorities. Promises to enhance future incident preparedness.
Ian Lavery
Lab
Blyth and Ashington
Question
This storm was catastrophic, impacting properties across the constituency with destruction and isolation issues. Requests support for constituents without financial means to recover and asks for measures to prevent future communication failures during disasters.
Minister reply
Acknowledges Northern Powergrid's efforts, notes 95% power restoration so far, admits to a lack of infrastructure to handle high demand on call centres leading to poor communications. Pledges to create a more resilient system.
John Lamont
Con
Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk
Question
Asks about the UK Government's discussions with ScottishPower Energy Networks and the Scottish Government regarding storm response and support for constituents still without power.
Minister reply
Reports on speaking to three CEO’s of DNOs but not the one from ScottishPower, expresses hope to speak to them soon.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Question
Constituents face a week without power and heating. Requests immediate support for vulnerable residents.
Minister reply
Explains collaboration with local resilience fora to coordinate and provide necessary support.
Question
Thanks Northern Powergrid, engineers and local authority workers for their efforts in repairing damage. Requests the deployment of emergency generators to affected communities.
Minister reply
Acknowledges community work, confirms discussions with local resilience fora about generator deployments.
Question
Compliments the efforts made and asks for a review on improving the resilience of communication infrastructure along with power infrastructure.
Minister reply
Agrees to learn from this situation, similar to post-2019 measures, to build more resilient systems.
Question
Thanks for commitments and recognises efforts of power companies and communities. Inquires about conversations with Scottish Government and local resilience programmes on helping the most vulnerable.
Minister reply
Acknowledges the need to focus on vulnerable communities, mentions SSE’s provision of accommodation and food support.
Pontypridd
Question
Residents and businesses in Pontypridd were devastated by Storm Dennis in 2020 due to flooding. Many are unable to get insurance, face high premiums, or have not been pointed towards Flood Re. The MP asks the Minister to work with colleagues to review Flood Re and ensure everyone can access affordable insurance.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State acknowledges the issues related to insurance and is willing to discuss them further in subsequent meetings.
Philip Hollobone
Con
Question
Storm Arwen highlights the need for infrastructure resilience against climate change. The MP questions the cost-effectiveness of undergrounding electricity lines and asks if technical standards can be raised to increase resilience.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change, but improving infrastructure requires significant investment and time. He emphasises the role of local resilience forums in managing immediate crises.
Mick Whitley
Con
Birkenhead
Question
With increasing extreme weather events due to climate breakdown, the MP asks what steps BEIS will take with DEFRA to improve community resilience.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State confirms that both Departments are working together and collaborating across Government to address infrastructure challenges posed by climate change.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Question
Expressing sympathy for a victim of Storm Arwen, the MP asks what support is available for businesses reliant on internet services disrupted by storm damage. He suggests an urgent funding scheme to allow short-term contract mobile hotspotting.
Minister reply
The Secretary of State agrees that this requires urgent discussion and acknowledges his role in coordinating with devolved administrations like Northern Ireland.
Shadow Comment
Ed Miliband
Shadow Comment
Shadow Secretary Ed Miliband expressed condolences to those affected by Storm Arwen and highlighted the difficulties faced by residents during outages. He questioned whether there is adequate support for vulnerable individuals, including emergency generator use and military assistance if necessary. Concerning communications, he inquired about the effectiveness of the single national emergency number 105. Furthermore, he questioned Ofgem's recommendation regarding resource sharing among district network operators and the vulnerability assessment of overhead power lines post-2015 storms. Emphasising the necessity to learn from past events, Miliband stressed that extreme weather will become more common due to climate change, urging for enhanced preparedness.
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