Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to support communities in England threatened by coastal erosion, and whether they will publish a national strategy for countering the impacts of coastal erosion.

The Water Minister and I know the devastating impact flooding and coastal erosion can have on communities. That is why we are committed to supporting coastal communities and ensuring flood risk management is fit for the challenges we face now and in the future. We will work to improve resilience and preparation across central government and local authorities to better protect communities across the UK.

The Government’s investment plan includes defences for the coast where it is sustainable and affordable to defend the coastline. In areas where it is not, other approaches such as managed realignment or transition may be needed.