Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Natural Disasters: Community Resilience

Thursday 25 June 2026 · 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 1 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Andrew George asked the Minister about steps being taken to improve community resilience in the wake of natural disasters, citing the impact of Storm Goretti in his constituency.
  • The Minister acknowledged concerns over the disruption caused by Storm Goretti, particularly the extended loss of telecom services in affected areas.
  • Nick Smith inquired about the UK's response to the earthquake in Venezuela, seeking clarity on whether the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office had discussed support measures for the country.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives
Community Security Environment
Context

The Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives is addressing the steps being taken by the government to improve community resilience after significant damage caused by Storm Goretti in his constituency, affecting telecom services.

Question

What steps he is taking through national policy to help improve the resilience of communities affected by natural disasters. Nearly six months ago, my west Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency bore the brunt of Storm Goretti, which caused death and destruction across the area. Will Ministers work with local MPs in Cornwall and on the Isles of Scilly to review resilience plans to improve co-ordination on the resilience of nationally regulated utilities and telecom providers, including by reviewing the current timetable for the January 2027 digital switchover?

Answer from Angela Eagle

I recognise that the hon. Gentleman's constituents have concerns, as do the constituents of other Cornish Members of Parliament who have talked to me. Hundreds were left without telecom services for days after Storm Goretti, which is clearly unacceptable. It is important that we work with telecoms operators and power suppliers to strengthen comms resilience across Cornwall. I will take a close look at that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The timetable for the January 2027 digital switchover was not addressed.

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Q2 Andrew George Lib Dem St Ives
Community Security Environment
Context

The Liberal Democrat MP for St Ives is addressing the steps being taken by the government to improve community resilience after significant damage caused by Storm Goretti in his constituency, affecting telecom services.

Question

What steps he is taking through national policy to help improve the resilience of communities affected by natural disasters. Nearly six months ago, my west Cornwall and Isles of Scilly constituency bore the brunt of Storm Goretti, which caused death and destruction across the area. Will Ministers work with local MPs in Cornwall and on the Isles of Scilly to review resilience plans to improve co-ordination on the resilience of nationally regulated utilities and telecom providers, including by reviewing the current timetable for the January 2027 digital switchover?

Answer from Angela Eagle

I recognise that the hon. Gentleman's constituents have concerns, as do the constituents of other Cornish Members of Parliament who have talked to me. Hundreds were left without telecom services for days after Storm Goretti, which is clearly unacceptable. It is important that we work with telecoms operators and power suppliers to strengthen comms resilience across Cornwall. I will take a close look at that.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The timetable for the January 2027 digital switchover was not addressed.

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Q3 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Foreign Affairs
Context

There was an earthquake in Venezuela, causing damage and raising concerns about support for the country during this difficult time.

Question

There is awful news from Venezuela this morning after an earthquake there. Has the Minister had the opportunity to speak to her Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office ministerial counterpart about support for that country at this difficult time?

Answer from Angela Eagle

The overnight news of the earthquake in Venezuela, which has caused a lot of damage, is very concerning. I know that my colleagues in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stand ready, as do we, to help with any recovery that the people of Venezuela may need, particularly in terms of rescue at this stage.

Answered
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