Flooding: Bedfordshire

In the House of Commons adjournment debate on flooding in Bedfordshire, the first speaker, Blake Stephenson, the MP for Mid Bedfordshire, raised the devastating impact of the recent flooding in his constituency. He described how the flooding in September caused significant damage to homes, farms, and businesses across Bedfordshire, with some of his constituents, including himself, experiencing severe flooding. Stephenson highlighted the tireless efforts of first responders and council workers in supporting his constituents during this crisis. He acknowledged that while Mid Bedfordshire is not traditionally considered an area at high risk of flooding, the changing weather patterns and soil types have presented unique challenges. Stephenson called on the government to provide support and funding to help his constituents recover and improve flood resilience in the region. Responding on behalf of the government, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Emma Hardy, expressed her sympathy for those affected by the flooding. She acknowledged the devastating impact of flooding on both physical and mental wellbeing, and praised the work of emergency services and volunteers in the response efforts. Hardy reassured the House that flooding is a key priority for the government, and outlined steps being taken to address the issue, including increased funding for urgent repairs to flood defences and the use of mobile assets to support affected areas. She also highlighted the government's review of the existing flood investment programme and the work of the newly established flood resilience taskforce. In response to interventions from other MPs, Hardy agreed to meet with a delegation to discuss the funding and role of internal drainage boards, a key issue raised during the debate. She also committed to facilitating meetings with MPs from Somerset and Bedfordshire to further address their concerns and coordinate a comprehensive response to the flooding challenges in their constituencies.