Storm Bert

Debate between Steve Reed and Luke Charters

Monday 25th November 2024 Commons Chamber

[Steve Reed]

I echo the right hon. Gentleman’s comments about Philip Duffy at the Environment Agency and all his colleagues, who are doing an incredible job—they always do, every time storms hit. The right hon. Gentleman makes a very important and interesting point about how we can better tie up different approaches to funding. I will take that back and discuss it with the EA. I will ensure that he receives a full written response.

[Mr Luke Charters (York Outer) (Lab)]

My constituency is home to a wonderful retirement community at Hartrigg Oaks. However, residents living there have told me that they worry, every single time there is a storm, about how the River Foss may overflow on to their property. There is a fix: a water pump to alleviate flooding, but that was removed, shamefully, by Yorkshire Water three years ago. Does my right hon. Friend agree with me that Yorkshire Water should fix that urgently, following Storm Bert?

[Steve Reed]

It is important that we look at all possible ways we can protect communities from flooding. I do not know the detail of the particular instance my hon. Friend is speaking about, but I am happy to look at it. My hon. Friend the Member for Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice (Emma Hardy), the Minister with responsibility for water, and I will be happy to meet him to discuss what we can do to support him in what he is calling for.

Independent Water Commission

Debate between Steve Reed and Luke Charters

Wednesday 23rd October 2024 Commons Chamber

[Mr Luke Charters (York Outer) (Lab)]

Toothless water regulators have been left up the creek. Can the Secretary of State confirm that Sir Jon Cunliffe will look at scrapping and replacing Ofwat?

[Steve Reed]

It will be for the commission to look at how we get to an effective and appropriate model of regulation, including the roles of the regulators.