Oral Answers to Questions

Irene Campbell Excerpts

Wednesday 4th November 2026 Commons Chamber

[Louise Haigh]

I answered that question earlier in the session. Rather than take the Whip’s question, perhaps the hon. Gentleman could confirm why the Conservatives voted last night against every measure in the Budget that will help his constituents.

[Irene Campbell (North Ayrshire and Arran) (Lab)]

In my constituency, the coastal towns of Largs and Saltcoats were badly flooded by Storm Boelo, with much damage caused to local businesses, as well as damage to constituents’ houses and gardens. Does the First Secretary agree with me that to avoid that happening again, there has to be joined-up working with the Scottish Government and all relevant authorities and agencies to ensure that our vulnerable coastal towns and communities have coastal defence preparedness plans in place?

[Louise Haigh]

I know that this is an issue my hon. Friend has been raising, and I met her yesterday to discuss this very issue. Flooding is devolved to the Scottish Government, but we have set up a floods resilience taskforce to ensure that we can work across borders, share best practice and address exactly the issues she raises.