Strengthening Community Resilience

Debate between Helen Maguire and Dan Jarvis

Tuesday 27th October 2026 Commons Chamber

[Dan Jarvis]

I absolutely share my hon. Friend’s concern, but I would again take this opportunity to emphasise the importance of the priority services register.

[Helen Maguire (Epsom and Ewell) (LD)]

I very much welcome the Be Ready campaign today. This Government have been pushing for devolved responsibilities, particularly at the mayoral level, but in his statement today, the Minister made no mention of the vital role that local authorities can play. Could the Minister expand on the role of local authorities in community resilience and preparedness?

[Dan Jarvis]

I think that is a little unfair, as I have been at pains to emphasise the important work that local authorities and local resilience forums do in that regard. That is certainly my view. We have been very careful to ensure that local authorities have been involved with the design of this campaign, and we have been in regular contact with the devolved Governments and the metro mayors. The hon. Lady’s fundamental point about the importance of local government is absolutely right. Local resilience forums, which have long championed the need for a campaign like this, do a really important job, and we will continue to work closely with them in its delivery.