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Flood Risk and Flood Defence Infrastructure: North-west England
18 November 2025
Lead MP
Sarah Hall
Warrington South
Lab/Co-op
Responding Minister
Emma Hardy
Tags
NHSClimate
Word Count: 9427
Other Contributors: 13
At a Glance
Sarah Hall raised concerns about flood risk and flood defence infrastructure: north-west england in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.
Key Requests to Government:
Sarah Hall asks for investment in sewerage infrastructure alongside flood walls, better maintenance of existing watercourses, and a commitment to the Sankey brook flood risk management scheme with clear funding guarantees.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
People in Warrington South face constant risk of flooding, which affects their daily lives and mental health. Extreme rainfall and overwhelmed watercourses cause frequent floods, leaving communities vulnerable and marooned. The area is prone to flooding due to historical planning decisions and the region's contribution to the national economy should warrant better infrastructure support.
Andrew Cooper
Lab
Mid Cheshire
Agrees that investment in flood defences should include sewerage infrastructure. Mentioned Northwich and Winsford flooding twice within an 18-month period.
Neil Hudson
Con
Epping Forest
Emphasised the mental health impacts of flooding and highlighted the previous Conservative Government's investment in flood defences, including a £2.6 billion commitment between 2015 and 2021. Urged the Minister to review restrictions on Flood Re eligibility and commit to supporting natural flood management schemes.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull East
Acknowledges the improved flood warning system and encourages MPs to discuss forecasting with Met Office experts.
Jeff Smith
Lab
Manchester Withington
He supports the hon. Member's asks and suggests focusing on upstream prevention measures to reduce water flow into the Mersey region.
Jo Platt
Lab/Co-op
Leigh and Atherton
It is an honour to serve under your chairship, Dr Murrison. I thank my hon. Friend the Member for Warrington South (Sarah Hall) for securing the debate, which is so important, especially with the winter months approaching.
Mike Kane
Lab
Wythenshawe and Sale East
For my constituents in Wythenshawe and Sale East, flooding is a growing concern; on new year’s day, we witnessed one of the most severe flood events in recent memory: the River Mersey reached its highest level in 66 years.
Morrison
Con
Cheadle
Stockport council did not receive any funding from the EA or the Government following January’s disastrous flooding, despite its serious and widespread impact. The National Flood Forum receives more than 1,000 calls a year from residents affected by recent developments causing flooding.
Navendu Mishra
Lab
Stockport
In January, there was flooding at Meadow Mill in my constituency, with almost 200 residents impacted. The building’s owner is unable to secure insurance against the flood risk.
Oliver Ryan
Lab/Co-op
Burnley
Padiham flood risk management scheme is critical, protecting around 160 homes and businesses. The investment gives the town something very valuable: the ability to look to the future with greater confidence. Invites the Minister to Preston to see the benefits of increased flood funding in Padiham.
Phil Brickell
Con
Bolton West
The hon. Member is making a very good point about serious localised flooding across the region which is often not tied to major drainage basins but connected to sewerage or groundwater. As my constituency neighbour, does my hon. Friend share the frustration that I and my Bolton West constituents sometimes have about identifying who is responsible for the existing infrastructure and its maintenance?
Sarah Dyke
LD
Glastonbury and Somerton
Communities in Somerset have also faced devastating floods, often due to inadequate infrastructure. A constituent's property was built without basic flood protection measures, causing regular flooding during rain.
Sarah Hall
Con
Wakefield
Thanked everyone for their contributions and commended the debate.
Tom Morrison
LD
Cheadle
He discusses local issues in Bramhall where flooding has caused significant disruption and emotional distress, highlighting the need for better flood management policies.
Government Response
Emma Hardy
The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs
Government Response
Acknowledged the increase in flood and coastal erosion risk due to climate change and emphasised the need to address these issues at COP27. Confirmed ongoing support for natural flood management schemes under ELMS and highlighted the Government's commitment to robust support for those affected by flooding. Announces increased funding for flooding resilience, including £188 million increase in the EA budget this year. Highlights improvements in flood warning systems and forecasting accuracy, with a new system going live on 21 October.
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Assessment & feedback
Summary accuracy
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.