Asked by: Lord Lee of Trafford (Liberal Democrat - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs:
To ask His Majesty's Government what is the life expectancy of the Thames Barrier; and whether there are any plans to alter the current pattern or frequency of use in order to manage its expected lifespan.
Answered by Lord Douglas-Miller
The Thames Barrier forms part of a complex system of assets along the Thames and its tributaries to manage the risk of flooding in London. The barrier is expected to provide the required standard of protection out to 2070 based on projected rates of sea levels rise and with significant investment to upgrade and improve the mechanical, electrical, forecasting and supporting systems.
The Thames Barrier needs to be maintained to ensure its operational reliability. Closing it too frequently could reduce its reliability, because it would make it difficult to maintain to the required standards, as well as negatively impacting on shipping. As such the Thames Estuary 2100 Plan sets out a strategy to manage the frequency of closures and its lifespan. This includes implementing measures to manage non-tidal flooding (i.e., flooding driven by high river flows coming down the Thames) in west London without relying on the Thames Barrier by 2035, as well as raising defences upstream of the barrier by 2050 to allow higher tides upriver, thereby reducing the number of times the barrier needs to close.
The Thames Estuary Plan takes an adaptation pathways approach, planning for a range of future climate scenarios with a light touch review every five years and a comprehensive review every 10 years. At present all end of century options for upgrading or replacing the Thames Barrier remain available, with a decision needed by 2040 so that an option can be in place by 2070.
Mar. 15 2010
Source Page: Assessment of the provision of marine aids to navigation around the United Kingdom & Ireland. Final report. Incl. appendices. 256 p.Found: This is logical given that they currently look after their own assets.
Mentions:
1: Hamish Falconer (Lab - Lincoln) action to tackle Russia’s so-called shadow fleet: a fleet of ageing oil tankers, which use deceptive shipping - Speech Link
2: Hamish Falconer (Lab - Lincoln) concerns, but if it does not, I will return to him.The instrument, as well as increasing the effect on shipping - Speech Link
3: Alicia Kearns (Con - Rutland and Stamford) how deep Russia sinks into the shadows, the UK and our partners will identify and act against Russian assets - Speech Link
Mentions:
1: Chris Bryant (Lab - Rhondda) , the British Government opposed proposals that we should seize $300 billion-worth of Russian state assets - Speech Link
2: Rishi Sunak (Con - Richmond (Yorks)) have collectively tasked Finance Ministers with exploring all lawful routes to ensure that Russian assets - Speech Link
3: Alex Sobel (LAB - Leeds North West) Does that mean that the UK Government consider Iranian military intelligence assets to be legitimate - Speech Link
Mentions:
1: Anne-Marie Trevelyan (Con - Berwick-upon-Tweed) UK remains fully committed to working with allies to pursue all lawful routes through which Russian assets - Speech Link
Written Evidence May. 09 2024
Committee: Treasury Committee (Department: HM Treasury)Found: cap operates globally by prohibiting UK and coalition entities from providing services such as shipping
Mentions:
1: Jeremy Quin (Con - Horsham) However, does he agree that in order to protect civilian shipping, this may need to be a prolonged and - Speech Link
2: Rishi Sunak (Con - Richmond (Yorks)) Friend will know that we have assets in the region and we are working closely with our allies to ensure - Speech Link
3: Flick Drummond (Con - Meon Valley) I totally agree with the action that he has taken to protect shipping. - Speech Link
4: Rishi Sunak (Con - Richmond (Yorks)) More are now sending assets into the region to ensure the safety of all civilian and commercial shipping - Speech Link
5: Jim Shannon (DUP - Strangford) to increase the price of shipping in order to enhance their protection? - Speech Link
Mar. 05 2024
Source Page: General Lighthouse Fund: annual report and accounts 2023Found: Section 195 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and Section 634 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 in
Mar. 05 2024
Source Page: General Lighthouse Fund: annual report and accounts 2023Found: Section 195 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995, and Section 634 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1894 in
Mar. 05 2024
Source Page: General Lighthouse Fund: annual report and accounts 2023Found: 50 - Investment Property 51 - Heritage Assets 52 - Intangible Assets 52 - Non -current trade