Emergencies Rural and Coastal Areas 2026-01-22
2026-01-22
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Storm Goretti tested the resilience of rural and coastal Britain, causing significant damage and disruption.
In response to Storm Goretti, Cornwall alone lost over 1,000 trees and thousands were without power and water. It exposed vulnerabilities in communications infrastructure in rural areas. Would the Minister lead discussions with Science, Innovation and Technology Ministers on how to shore up communications during extreme weather events?
The Minister agrees that the situation needs attention. He will do so by giving careful consideration to the points raised about strengthening communications during extreme weather events.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Will Give Them Very Careful Attention
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
BT is proposing to switch off analogue phone lines in areas with poor mobile reception and frequent power cuts.
BT’s plan to switch off analogue lines in regions with poor mobile coverage and regular power outages could isolate communities during extreme weather events. Will the Minister ensure that this will not impede resilience?
The Department is engaging closely with BT regarding their proposal to switch off analogue lines. The Minister will look carefully at the points raised and come back to the Member.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Department Has Been Engaging Closely
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Local authorities struggle to deploy staff quickly during flood events in geographically remote areas.
Will the Government encourage statutory bodies to train and equip community emergency volunteers to carry out vital tasks such as closing floodgates and shutting roads?
The Government are considering regulatory and non-regulatory options to integrate the work of the voluntary sector with statutory emergency responders. The Minister will soon be meeting the flooding Minister to discuss this further.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Considering Regulatory And Non-Regulatory Options
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Some constituencies, like Camborne, Redruth and Hayle, are highly vulnerable due to poor mobile communication infrastructure.
Given the significant lack of resilience in mobile communications in areas such as Mawnan Smith during Storm Goretti, will the Minister review those constituencies where mobile communications are inadequate?
The Minister gives an absolute commitment to work closely with Government colleagues, local authorities and stakeholders to ensure that lessons from Storm Goretti are learned. He met the Member at the Eden Project recently to discuss these matters.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Work Closely With Government Colleagues
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Telecoms companies have not met their promises regarding the withdrawal of copper landlines, leaving constituents without connectivity during power outages.
Will the Minister speak to mobile phone operators and telecoms companies about why they are not fulfilling their commitments to maintain connectivity?
The Minister is looking forward to meeting the Member soon to discuss these issues. He acknowledges that more than 900 engineers were deployed during Storm Goretti to reconnect homes in the south-west.
▸
Assessment & feedback
Looking Forward To Discussing
Response accuracy