Contributions
852 recent contributions in Hansard
HANSARDFlood ResponseI want to take this opportunity to express my support and sympathy for all my hon. Friend’s constituents who have been affected by the very severe weather at the weekend. I…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseOur £2.6 billion of investment in flood defences up to 2021 has a very strong emphasis on ensuring that our transport networks are more resilient. I would also emphasise that on…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseI would certainly encourage all local authorities to engage with residents affected by flooding in particular areas and with the various schemes that are available.10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseMy Department has very extensive contacts with the Welsh Government on a range of issues. Obviously, in circumstances like this, it is essential that there is excellent working…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseI want to extend my sympathies to all the hon. Member’s constituents—it has been devastating for many of them—and I would be very happy to meet her and representatives from her…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseI am afraid there can be no absolute guarantees on flooding, but I can assure my hon. Friend that the Government are determined to press on with their major investments in our…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseI certainly join my hon. Friend in paying tribute to the hard-working staff of the EA and all those involved in the response to this emergency. They do a tremendous job, and they…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseI am more than happy to look at this, but I would emphasise that there are many successful examples of where funding has been sought from a range of sources, including businesses,…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseI very much join the hon. Gentleman in paying a warm tribute to the fire and rescue services for their efforts in this situation and in so many others around the rest of the year.…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseI am very happy to do that. The Hawick flood group volunteers deserve our praise and thanks, as do so many volunteers in similar groups around the country.10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseThe Government are already running a range of schemes to promote the planting of trees, including the urban tree challenge fund, where we announced successful bids at the weekend.…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseSo often, farmers are the victims of flooding and the providers of heroic help to others who are also affected by flooding. We will be working closely with the farming community…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseYes, I will. It is very important that people affected by the flooding in November can access the package of support that was introduced. I would be delighted to meet my hon.…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseYes, I am happy to give my hon. Friend that assurance, and I understand that DEFRA officials have been engaging with the people putting forward the bid, which will be looked at…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseI will be very happy to meet the hon. Lady. The situation in relation to the Ouse is indeed still very serious, but I reassure her that significant numbers of flood defences have…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseAs I have said, we have an extensive programme that we are in the course of delivering; we are determined to do that to ensure that many more homes and businesses are protected…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseMy hon. Friend makes a very valid point. In many areas, capital spending is not effective unless it is accompanied by resource spending to ensure that appropriate maintenance…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseMy hon. Friend raises very important points. It is vital to ensure that our planning system properly takes into account flood risk, and I will continue to engage with colleagues…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseI will certainly maintain the pressure on water companies to act responsibly on flooding and to play their part in mitigating it, as is the case with the pressure that we apply to…10 Feb 2020HANSARDFlood ResponseWe will be looking at the appropriate response. I emphasise that there are plans for improved flood defences for Brighouse, on which we hope work will start very soon.10 Feb 2020