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Lowestoft Tidal Flood Barrier
20 January 2020
Lead MP
Peter Aldous
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationEmploymentClimateBrexitBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 3
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.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
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.
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
EconomyTaxationEmploymentClimateBrexitBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Government Response
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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House of Commons debates take place in the main chamber of the House of Commons. These debates cover a wide range of topics including government policy, legislation, and current affairs. MPs from all parties can participate, question ministers, and hold the government accountable for its decisions.