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Flood Risk: London
20 April 2022
Lead MP
Felicity Buchan
Responding Minister
Jo Churchill
Tags
EconomyClimateAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Word Count: 3585
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Felicity Buchan raised concerns about flood risk: london in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
I request that Thames Water, Ofwat, and the Environment Agency be held accountable for providing short-term solutions to prevent further flooding this year and long-term infrastructure investments to mitigate future risks.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
In July last year, my constituency of Kensington suffered devastating flooding. The impact was widespread with over 1,800 flooding calls received by the London Fire Brigade and likely thousands more affected residents who did not report. Constituents lost their homes' contents due to basement property damage. Flooding is not a new issue; it has occurred repeatedly since 2004, including devastating events in July 2016 and July 2021. The Victorian sewerage system and climate change exacerbate the risk of flash flooding during summer months.
Andrew Slaughter
Lab
Hammersmith and Chiswick
He congratulates Felicity Buchan on securing the debate, agreeing that previous flood solutions have been partial and insufficient. He emphasises the need for a comprehensive solution to protect constituents from flooding risks, especially during summer months. Asked for details of the task and finish group, expressing a lack of trust due to previous partial solutions. Highlighted the need for comprehensive measures despite high costs, and inquired about Flood Re coverage for urban areas.
Karen Buck
Lab
Westminster North
She expresses gratitude towards Felicity Buchan for securing the debate and highlights concerns over insurance affordability for residents in flood-prone areas. Karen Buck notes that an existing scheme does not cover many flat owners in blocks of more than six properties, stressing the need to address this issue. Reinforced the point made by Felicity Buchan about the frequency of flooding events, highlighting that what was described as a one-in-300-year event is becoming regular. Emphasised the need for Thames Water to recognise and invest in solutions.
Government Response
Jo Churchill
Government Response
It is a pleasure to serve under the chairmanship of Siobhain McDonagh. The Government are investing £5.2 billion in flood and coastal erosion defences in England, including £313 million specifically for London. Last July's flooding was caused by an unprecedented amount of rainfall overwhelming drainage networks. The Environment Agency provides strategic oversight while lead local flood authorities manage operational risks. Collaboration among agencies is encouraged to address surface water flooding issues. Thames Water has committed £10 million for property flood resilience measures and commissioned a review of its network performance. A National Infrastructure Commission study will report in November on effective management of surface water flooding. New duties under the Environment Act 2021 require water companies to produce comprehensive drainage plans. The Government have committed large sums of money towards addressing flooding issues, but an integrated approach involving all authorities is necessary for targeted solutions.
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About Westminster Hall Debates
Westminster Hall debates are a chance for MPs to raise important issues affecting their constituents and get a response from a government minister. Unlike Prime Minister's Questions, these debates are more in-depth and collaborative. The MP who secured the debate speaks first, other MPs can contribute, and a minister responds with the government's position.