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Flooding
24 February 2020
Lead MP
George Eustice
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyTaxationEmploymentClimateWalesBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 61
At a Glance
George Eustice raised concerns about flooding 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 Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs expressed condolences to those affected by the recent flooding caused by Storm Dennis. He highlighted the scale of the response, including setting up temporary defences and issuing flood warnings. The government activated the Bellwin scheme and introduced a recovery framework to help communities recover. Investments in flood defences have improved resilience but more needs to be done due to climate change.
Luke Pollard
Lab Co-op
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
The shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs welcomed the statement but criticised the government's response as slow and lacking national leadership. He called for a new plan addressing climate change impacts with proper funding, recognising vulnerable areas and reversing austerity cuts to flood defences.
George Eustice
Con
Camborne and Redruth
Responded to the shadow Secretary of State, discussed Cabinet responsibilities for flood response, explained the decision not to stand up Cobra, detailed mutual aid offered to Welsh Government, committed £4 billion over five years for flood prevention, emphasised nature-based solutions such as natural dams and tree planting. Stated that an outright ban on building on all floodplains would prevent expansion of lowland towns and cities.
John McNally
SNP
West Aberdeenshire and Kincardine
Expressed concern over the recurrence of flooding, highlighted the impact on communities and businesses in Scotland, criticised England’s approach to flood prevention, praised Scottish Government’s commitment to flood protection measures. Called out Prime Minister for avoiding flooded areas while taking credit during election.
George Eustice
Con
Camborne and Redruth
Acknowledged the steps taken by Scottish Government in flood prevention, mentioned the introduction of Flood Re to provide insurance coverage for properties at risk of flooding.
Neil Parish
Con
Tiverton and Honiton
Welcomed the Secretary of State's new role, suggested managing floods with slowing down some rivers and increasing flow in others. Highlighted issues with Flood Re cut-off date of 2008 preventing recent home buyers from obtaining insurance.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Described the severe impact of floods on Rhondda Cynon Taf, including high costs for local authority to repair infrastructure. Emphasised need for financial support from Government rather than mutual aid.
George Eustice
Con
Camborne and Redruth
Acknowledged that flooding is a devolved matter primarily handled by the Welsh Government, but expressed willingness to consider additional funding if requested by the Wales Office.
Craig Whittaker
Con
Halifax
Asked for more robust investment in flood prevention measures for Calder Valley, invited Secretary of State to meet volunteers and discuss benefits of such investments.
George Eustice
Con
Camborne and Redruth
Confirmed willingness to meet with volunteers and local leaders in Calder Valley, announced intention to hold a summit in Yorkshire to discuss flood concerns. Mentioned ongoing projects in Hebden Bridge and Brighouse.
Holly Lynch
Lab
Halifax
Asked for guidance on grants for resilience, requested confirmation that grants will be available for those who flooded again after previously claiming.
George Eustice
Con
Camborne and Redruth
Announced issuance of detailed guidance to local authorities on the flood resilience fund during the course of the week, clarified that grants will not be given to those who have already claimed it.
Bill Wiggin
Con
North Herefordshire
Asked for Secretary of State's assistance in ensuring local authorities focus on damage recovery rather than Bellwin applications, requested confirmation about availability of farming recovery fund for Herefordshire.
George Eustice
Con
Camborne and Redruth
Acknowledged the importance of Bill Wiggin's point but noted that local authorities often need access to funds or certainty of reclaiming costs to make necessary responses.
Pontypridd
The hon. Member highlighted the unprecedented flooding in her constituency of Pontypridd, emphasising that local authorities could not have prepared for such an event. She called for an urgent review of former coalmining sites and requested funding to ensure community safety.
George Eustice
Con
Constituency Unspecified
The Secretary of State responded, acknowledging that flood response is a devolved matter but noted the UK's arrangements to support affected areas. He invited her suggestions via correspondence and pledged to discuss them with colleagues in the Welsh Government.
Maria Miller
Con
Constituency Unspecified
The hon. Member expressed gratitude for emergency service efforts and asked the Secretary of State to confirm that the Environment Agency would continue monitoring groundwater levels in areas prone to flooding, ensuring timely alerts.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
The hon. Member thanked local teams for their efforts and requested a review of contracts with contractors providing flood resilience schemes due to recurring issues since the Boxing Day floods in 2015.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
The hon. Member commended various emergency services for their work during the flooding and thanked teams for protecting people and their properties.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
The hon. Member argued that recent extreme weather events are a result of inaction on climate change and urged urgent action beyond the current measures to prevent further disaster.
Owen Paterson
Con
Constituency Unspecified
The hon. Member advised improving flood management through various methods including holding water upstream, speeding up water downstream where appropriate, and implementing dredging based on Somerset's model.
Geraint Davies
Lab
Constituency Unspecified
The hon. Member questioned the Environment Agency's requirement for a 8:1 return on investment in flood defences, arguing it discriminates against low-value property and disproportionately affects Wales due to its topography.
Andrew Percy
Con
Constituency Unspecified
The hon. Member urged the Secretary of State to support a proposal for a national flood resilience centre in Scunthorpe, citing his constituency's flood-prone nature and its importance.
Chris Elmore
Lab
Bridgend
The hon. Member asked about UK Government responsibility for former coal sites under the Coal Industry Act 1994 and requested an investigation to ensure safety, especially in light of recent incidents.
Constituency Unspecified
The hon. Member expressed concern about flooding in Shrewsbury and the River Severn, advocating for a holistic approach to managing flood risk across 18 constituencies.
Nick Smith
Lab
Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
The hon. Member highlighted the role of local third sector trustees and volunteers in providing critical support during flooding, requesting additional Government support for such groups.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
Congratulates the Secretary of State on his appointment and acknowledges the hard work of local flood resilience teams. Asks for a meeting to discuss proposed schemes for Tenbury Wells and Severn Stoke.
Acknowledges Harriett Baldwin's constituency was hit hard by recent floods, willing to meet her about the proposed scheme for Tenbury Wells which is awaiting additional partnership finance.
Rachel Reeves
Lab
Leeds West and Pudsey
Highlights a £23 million shortfall in funding for the Kirkstall flood defence scheme. Asks if small businesses can be included under Flood Re to assist with insurance costs.
Confirms that Flood Re is being reviewed to ensure it remains fit for purpose.
John Redwood
17:11:00
Asks the Government to give new guidance to planning inspectors to take flood risk more seriously and be cautious about building on flood plains.
Reiterates that under the current system, local authorities should follow Environment Agency advice unless there is a strong reason not to. Over 97% of cases see this advice followed.
Dan Jarvis
Lab
Barnsley North
Requests a flood summit in Yorkshire after parts of South Yorkshire were devastated by the November flooding, and asks when it will occur.
Commits to holding the summit within the next two months.
Philip Dunne
17:11:00
Describes Shropshire's severe flooding and asks for flood defences similar to those available elsewhere on the River Severn, particularly mentioning towns like Bridgnorth, Ludlow, and Clun.
Confirms demountable flood defences are being used but acknowledges ongoing risks due to rising water levels in some towns.
Jonathan Edwards
17:11:00
Questions the suitability of the Barnett formula for allocating resources during extreme flooding events, especially those that cross devolved competences. Asks for a written statement outlining collaboration with the Welsh Government.
Confirms meetings have taken place regarding funding and resource allocation matters.
Laurence Robertson
17:11:00
Highlights an industrial digger preparing land for house building in a flood risk area, urging discussions with the Secretary of State for Housing to prevent such occurrences.
Offers to look into the specific issue raised by Laurence Robertson regarding the development on flood plains.
Alex Sobel
Lab Co-op
Leeds Central and Headingley
Asks for a meeting with the Environment Agency to ensure permissions are sorted out and planning permission is granted to complete a £2 million alleviation scheme in Otley.
Offers to meet Alex Sobel to discuss the issues surrounding the flood alleviation scheme, highlighting the complexity of such projects due to community consultations and planning processes.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Raises concerns about the Environment Agency's plans to cease flood risk management activities in parts of his constituency and asks for a delay due to recent severe flooding from Storm Dennis.
Offers to meet Andrew Griffith to discuss these specific concerns further, encouraging him to write about the alerts if they persist.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Asks for a meeting regarding Lagoon Hull project aimed at protecting against rising Humber flood risks in Hull.
Offers to meet Emma Hardy or other ministerial colleagues regarding the lagoon project mentioned, noting similar examples of such projects elsewhere.
Peter Aldous
17:11:00
Urges recognition of coastal communities' risk from recent storms like those impacting Pakefield on the Suffolk coast.
Acknowledges the threat posed by coastal flooding and surges to coastal communities, highlighting its importance alongside fluvial flooding concerns.
Grahame Morris
Lab
Easington
Asks for a meeting regarding the merits of statutory duties on fire and rescue authorities in preparation for flood events, similar to those in other UK nations.
Acknowledges previous reviews of flooding policies but notes improvements made to forecasting weather and flood events through local resilience forums where fire brigades are represented.
Jason McCartney
17:11:00
Highlights the importance of native woods and trees in tackling climate change, nature emergencies, and flood management. Supports government's policy to provide additional tree cover annually.
Agrees that nature-based solutions can improve resilience to flooding by enhancing soil permeability.
Cat Smith
Lab
Lancaster and Wyre
Asks for support measures for small family businesses repeatedly at risk of flooding, such as those on the Lansil industrial estate in Lancaster.
Confirms standing up the flood recovery framework including business rate relief and grants to aid businesses affected by floods.
Lucy Allan
17:11:00
Thanks the Minister for support in dealing with severe flooding issues in her constituency, particularly regarding the River Severn at Ironbridge. Asks for continued support during difficult times.
Gerald Jones
Lab
Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare
Storm Dennis caused significant damage in Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney. Despite Tory austerity, local authorities provided support to affected communities. The Welsh Government offered a fund, but the UK government did not provide additional financial aid to Welsh communities despite the severity of the floods.
The planning system should address the issue of water drainage in urban areas as more buildings are constructed on concrete surfaces. Proper drainage infrastructure is crucial and sustainable urban drainage must be promoted through such systems.
Peter Bone
Con
Wellingborough
50 horses were illegally kept on a floodplain near Wellingborough during Storm Dennis, leading to the death of four horses. The Secretary of State is asked to meet and discuss this ongoing issue affecting both his constituency and others.
Caroline Johnson
Con
Sleaford and North Hykeham
Heavy rainfall has left many fields in Lincolnshire waterlogged, preventing farmers from planting crops. The three-crop rule should be reconsidered to aid farmers struggling due to flooding.
Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. The Whaley Bridge reservoir dam failure is an example of this, and the Secretary of State is asked to ensure that the inquiry report is published promptly.
Ben Spencer
Con
Runnymede and Weybridge
The River Thames scheme needs urgent construction to protect homes and communities from future floods following ongoing flood warnings and alerts.
Kieran Mullan
Con
Bexhill and Battle
Local knowledge about specific flood risks should be more effectively incorporated into the planning system, especially in areas outside of officially recognised flood plains.
Government Response
EconomyTaxationEmploymentClimateWalesBusiness & TradeAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Government Response
Responded to multiple questions about flood prevention measures, Cobra meetings, mutual aid for Welsh Government, and Flood Re scheme. Announced plans for investment in nature-based solutions and discussed ongoing projects in affected areas. The Secretary of State responded to various concerns raised by Members of Parliament regarding flood response. He clarified the devolved nature of flood management while offering support and collaboration with local authorities and Governments in Wales. He also discussed the importance of monitoring groundwater levels, reviewing contractor performance, and implementing measures that are effective without causing further issues. Responded to multiple MPs addressing various concerns including flood defence schemes, flood resilience teams, Flood Re scheme application to small businesses, and the importance of taking flood risk into account when planning new developments. Discussed the ongoing monitoring of flood risks and water levels, the current state of negotiations with the Welsh Government, the need for proper drainage infrastructure through planning systems, the handling of illegal horse settlements in flood plains, potential derogations to support farmers unable to plant crops due to flooding, the commitment to publish the Whaley Bridge reservoir dam failure inquiry report at the earliest opportunity, and the prioritisation of capital spending on areas most at risk from flooding.
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Assessment & feedback
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