Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Coastal Communities

Thursday 27 January 2022 · 3 questions

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial commitment to visit Southport to discuss local challenges.
  • Increased spending on flood protection at 5.2 billion to safeguard 336,000 properties in England.
  • Concerns raised about gill netting in Shetland's fishing industry, with willingness to meet to discuss.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Damien Moore Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

Damien Moore is concerned about the impact of rising sea levels and flooding on Southport, which could become an island by 2050 without further action. The MP has highlighted the need to protect constituents' homes from increased flood risks.

Question

Coastal communities are key to our levelling-up agenda. What steps is he taking to support coastal communities? Research shows Southport could resemble an island by 2050 if no further action is taken. Will my right hon Friend commit to visiting Southport to explore what further steps we can take?

Answer from George Eustice

Coastal communities are key to our levelling-up agenda. A positive picture is emerging for fishing with a quota uplift of £146 million by 2026, plus the UK seafood fund investing in coastal areas. Spending on flooding has increased to £5.2 billion to protect 336,000 properties across England; I would be delighted to meet and visit Southport.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to visit Southport was not formally given despite expressing willingness

How: Discussed Broader Fishing And Flood Protection Efforts

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Q2 Damien Moore Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Southport could become an island by 2050 with rising sea levels, posing significant risks to homes and properties. The MP seeks specific actions to mitigate flood impacts.

Question

Research shows Southport could resemble an island by 2050 if no further action is taken. Will my right hon Friend commit to visiting Southport to explore what further steps we can take to protect constituents' homes from rising water levels and increased flooding risks?

Answer from George Eustice

Increased spending on flooding is £5.2 billion, protecting 336,000 properties across England; I would be delighted to meet and visit Southport to discuss particular challenges facing Southport.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Commitment to visit was not formally given despite expressing willingness

How: Discussed Broader Flood Protection Efforts

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Q3 Alistair Carmichael Lib Dem Orkney and Shetland
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
Context

Spanish boats engaging in gill netting are harming the fishing industry in Shetland, an unsustainable practice. The MP has previously raised this issue with the Minister.

Question

The fishing industry in Shetland is being hammered by Spanish boats engaging in gill netting, a completely unsustainable practice. I have spoken to the fishing Minister about this in the past. What is being done to stop it or to ensure that if it is to be done, it is done safely?

Answer from George Eustice

Different gear types and fishing practices are under constant review. Concerns about gill netting can sometimes arise; it is sustainable in some inshore waters but not all cases. I would be willing to meet the right hon Gentleman to discuss his concern, though Marine Scotland may make technical decisions.

Partly answered

Not addressed: No concrete actions or assurances were provided for stopping gill netting

How: Discussed Review Of Practices

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