Coastal Defences 2024-05-09
2024-05-09
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about the impacts of climate change on coastal areas and seeks specific steps to improve coastal defences.
What steps his Department is taking to strengthen coastal defences. The East Anglian coast has taken a real battering in recent months, with projects such as the Lowestoft flood defence scheme delayed. Our region is most vulnerable to climate change and essential for net zero efforts, so will my hon. Friend consider a climate change risk assessment to prepare a regional coast defence strategy protecting homes, businesses, ports, farmland, infrastructure, and nurturing the unique coastal environment?
The Environment Agency is developing a new national flood risk assessment and an updated coastal erosion risk map. These will include the potential impact of climate change on flood risk and coastal erosion, informing better protection for homes, businesses, farmland, and infrastructure.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not commit to a specific climate change risk assessment for a regional coast defence strategy.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP highlights that over 500 flood defence projects have been cancelled, causing concern for residents. The Public Accounts Committee report revealed this issue.
Why does he insist on holding residents in contempt by not telling them the fate of their local flood defences? We learned from the Public Accounts Committee report that 500 flood defence projects have been cancelled, like the one in Lowestoft. Whether the Minister chooses to use the words 'cancelled,' 'deferred,' 'delayed' or 'on a long list' makes no difference, because he is still refusing to tell us where those projects are.
I and my officials have been reviewing applications. Announcements will come soon. The Government invest £1.3 billion in flood defences, more than ever before, ensuring better coastal community protection.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer avoided the specific issue of informing residents about cancelled projects and focused on investment figures.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP is concerned about investment in flood defences, noting that over 500 projects have been cancelled. She seeks clarity on the status of these projects.
What steps his Department is taking to strengthen coastal defences. We learned from the Public Accounts Committee report that 500 flood defence projects have been cancelled, just like the one in Lowestoft. Whether the Minister chooses to use the words 'cancelled,' 'deferred,' 'delayed' or 'on a long list' makes no difference, because he is still refusing to tell us where those projects are.
I and my officials have been reviewing applications for flood defences. Announcements will come soon. The Government invest £1.3 billion in flood defences, more than ever before, ensuring better coastal community protection.
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Assessment & feedback
The answer did not provide information about the fate of cancelled projects but focused on future investment and protection plans.
Response accuracy