Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Coastal Defences

Thursday 9 May 2024 · 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

  • The Environment Agency is developing a new national flood risk assessment and an updated coastal erosion risk map.
  • I and my officials have been reviewing applications for flood defences, with announcements expected soon.
  • The Government invests 1.3 billion in flood defences, more than ever before, to ensure better coastal community protection.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Peter Aldous Con
Climate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Environment
Context

The MP is concerned about the impacts of climate change on coastal areas and seeks specific steps to improve coastal defences.

Question

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?

Answer from Robbie Moore

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not commit to a specific climate change risk assessment for a regional coast defence strategy.

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Q2 Peter Aldous Con
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Robbie Moore

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer avoided the specific issue of informing residents about cancelled projects and focused on investment figures.

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Q3 Emma Hardy Lab Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
Agriculture & Rural Affairs
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.

Question

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.

Answer from Robbie Moore

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.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The answer did not provide information about the fate of cancelled projects but focused on future investment and protection plans.

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