Coastal Erosion

Caroline Nokes Excerpts

Thursday 26th March 2026 Commons Chamber

Select Committee statement

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

We now come to the Select Committee statement on behalf of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee. Jenny Riddell-Carpenter will speak for up to 10 minutes, during which there will be no interventions. At the conclusion of her statement, I will call Members to ask questions on the subject of the statement. These must be questions, not full speeches. I emphasise that questions should be directed to the Select Committee Member, and not the Government Minister. Front Benchers may take part in questioning.

--- Later in debate ---

[Jenny Riddell-Carpenter]

My district council, East Suffolk council, has worked incredibly closely with the hon. Member’s council on bringing forward measures and on cross-learnings. When we have talked about Thorpeness in my local area, we have discussed lots of learnings from his constituency. The impact of coastal erosion on those communities—the financial impact and the mental health impact—cannot be overstated. As our report makes clear, we do not value our coast enough; we do not understand the value it creates for our communities, financially and over the longer term.

[Madam Deputy Speaker (Caroline Nokes)]

I thank the hon. Lady, the member of the Select Committee, for doing an excellent job this afternoon.