Minister makes statement on flood response
10 February 2020 (updated on 10 February 2020)
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Theresa Villiers made a statement to the House of Commons on the significant flooding caused by the heavy rain and severe winds brought by Storm Ciara.
Heavy rain and gusts of wind reaching more than 90mph brought widespread flooding and travel disruption as Storm Ciara hit the UK. Widespread travel disruption continues and flood warnings remain in place.
Theresa Villiers MP "over five hundred properties have been flooded"
Theresa Villiers MP began by extending her condolences on behalf of the whole House to the family of the individual who lost his life in Hampshire earlier today.
The Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs told MPs that "the environment agency, local government and emergency services are working hard to keep people safe in all of the areas affected by this devastating storm."
Speaking about areas which have experienced "particularly severe impacts" Ms Villiers said:
"The current estimate is that over five hundred properties have been flooded, but this number is expected to increase as further information is collected. The latest number of properties confirmed to have been flooded are forty in Cumbria, one hundred in Lancashire, one hundred and fifty in Greater Manchester, and two hundred and sixty in Yorkshire."
Luke Pollard MP: "The reality of the climate crisis"
Responding on behalf of the Opposition, Luke Pollard MP, Shadow Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs said that "the reality of the climate crisis is that more extreme weather will happen more often and with more severe consequences, especially for those who live and work in areas of high flood risk."
The Shadow Secretary told MPs:
"As the climate breakdown escalates we're seeing an increase in the frequency of intensity of deadly weather patterns. Much more needs to be done to prevent flooding, alleviate carbon emissions through habitat restoration, and returning floodplains to a natural state."
- Watch Parliament TV: Statement on flood response
- Transcripts of proceedings in the House of Commons Chamber are available in Hansard online three hours after they happen.
Image: PA
Follow us!
Follow the @HouseofCommons on Twitter and @UKHouseofCommons on Instagram, for updates on the UK House of Commons Chamber and more.Please fill in our quick feedback survey to help us improve our news content.