Severe Weather Incidents 2026-09-10
2026-09-10
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
Following the devastation caused by Storm Goretti in early January, the hon. Member for St Ives requested a review of the response to the storm to improve preparedness and response plans.
I am concerned about the impact of severe weather incidents. Following the devastation caused by Storm Goretti in early January, I requested a review of the response to the storm to improve preparedness and response plans. In what way have those plans improved? Could the Minister visit west Cornwall again and meet my communities as they prepare for resilience?
We have worked closely with Cornwall council on resilience planning, and Cobra officials have supported this effort. A public awareness campaign will be launched to support people in Cornwall and beyond during future emergencies. The hon. Gentleman's constituency is receiving over £2 million this financial year to tackle flooding.
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Assessment & feedback
The hon. Member asked for specific improvements to the plans, but the Minister only mentioned the general efforts and did not specify the improvements.
Working Closely With Cornwall Council
Launching A Public Awareness Campaign
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
Water privatisation and climate change have left communities with the dual challenges of water scarcity and flooding. The Drinking Water Inspectorate has proposed a governance framework for rainwater harvesting.
Water privatisation and climate change have left us with the twin resilience challenges of water scarcity and flooding. To reduce demand on our drinking water supply, is the Cabinet Office looking at the Drinking Water Inspectorate's report on rainwater harvesting? Could we consider installing rainwater collection for toilet flushing in publicly owned buildings?
My hon. Friend raises an important point, and I will look closely at the report she references and ensure that we are discussing it with colleagues in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.
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Assessment & feedback
The hon. Member asked for concrete action on rainwater harvesting, but the Minister only committed to looking into the report.
Looking Closely At The Report
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
Flood incidents are often predictable and affect multi-council areas. There are no flood boards across the whole UK to coordinate agencies and councils.
Flood incidents are often predictable and affect multi-council areas. Bodies such as flooding boards that cover these areas are a great way to coordinate agencies and councils. Would the Minister consider rolling out flood boards in every part of the UK?
The hon. Gentleman raises an important point. I am proud to say that I think I was the first metro mayor to launch a catchment flood management plan. I recognise the importance of his point, and I want to give it due consideration. I will consult with ministerial colleagues at DEFRA and come back to him.
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Assessment & feedback
The hon. Member asked for a commitment to roll out flood boards, but the Minister only committed to giving the issue due consideration.
Giving The Issue Due Consideration
Consulting With Ministerial Colleagues
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister mentioned the possibility of Cornwall being a pilot area for storm resilience measures. Measures to raise awareness and provide guidelines for individuals, local emergency plans, councils, and unitary levels would be useful.
Returning to the topic of Cornwall, the Minister mentioned the possibility that Cornwall could be a pilot area for storm resilience measures. Measures to raise awareness and provide guidelines for individuals, local emergency plans, councils, and unitary levels would be useful. Could the Minister say more about that?
The Prime Minister has committed to meeting with Cornish MPs. I will carefully consider her points, along with those made by the hon. Member for St Ives (Andrew George)—I get a sense that I am going to be heading back to Cornwall.
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Assessment & feedback
The hon. Member asked for more information on pilot areas and guidelines, but the Minister only mentioned meetings with Cornish MPs.
Meeting With Cornish Mps
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The Minister visited the hon. Member's constituency after significant devastation caused by Storm Goretti. The Minister committed to a comprehensive review of the storm response to improve preparedness and response plans.
I am grateful for the Minister's response. Following the significant devastation caused by Storm Goretti in early January, the Minister committed to a comprehensive review of the storm response to improve preparedness and response plans. In what way have those plans improved? Given that communities are preparing themselves, would the Minister be prepared to visit west Cornwall again and meet my communities?
We have worked closely with Cornwall council on resilience planning, and Cobra officials have supported this effort. A public awareness campaign will be launched to support people in Cornwall and beyond during future emergencies. The hon. Gentleman's constituency is receiving over £2 million this financial year to tackle flooding.
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Assessment & feedback
The hon. Member asked for specific improvements to the plans, but the Minister only mentioned the general efforts and did not specify the improvements.
Working Closely With Cornwall Council
Launching A Public Awareness Campaign
Response accuracy