Articles and Speeches

Windsor MP Calls for Flood Protection for Lower Thames Area
24-Jul-07, Press Release.

Adam Afriyie MP has called on the Secretary of State for the Environment to re-examine the scheme to protect the lower Thames area from flooding.  Speaking in the House of Commons, Mr Afriyie said that whilst the Jubilee River protects Maidenhead from severe flooding, the water is channelled downstream and flooding can still be caused in areas such as Old Windsor, Datchet and Wraysbury.

The Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for the Environment acknowledged the knock-on effect of the Jubilee River but did not give any firm commitment to residents that he would prioritise flood protection for the lower Thames area.

Speaking after the debate Mr Afriyie said:

“I was disappointed not to get a firm commitment from the government that the proposed flood defence scheme for the lower Thames area will go ahead.

“Residents in the areas which were so badly flooded in 2003 are still feeling the effects and I am determined to fight for them to be able to enjoy their homes and run their businesses without an ever-present fear of flood damage.”

End

Contact Details:

Adam Afriyie MP

Telephone: 0207 219 8023

Email: afriyiea@parliament.uk

Notes to Editors

1.         Link to Hansard: http://pubs1.tso.parliament.uk/pa/cm/cmtoday/cmdebate/06.htm#spkr_2

2.         Full text of question and answer:

Adam Afriyie: My constituency is located further downstream and, unusually, the peak flows are expected in 48 to 72 hours in areas such as Datchet, Horton, Wraysbury and Old Windsor. The Jubilee river has protected Maidenhead, but channelled the water further down. Given that the Environment Agency has said that it needs £1 billion to deal with flood defences in the UK, and that it does not quite have that budget, I seek the Secretary of State’s assurance that he will re-examine the vital lower Thames protection scheme.

Hilary Benn: The hon. Gentleman will be aware that the Environment Agency has a process through which the priority of schemes is determined, and that the formula is currently under review. The Jubilee river has done its work, but I acknowledge that it protects one part of the area rather than elsewhere. That shows how interrelated the movement of water is and that protecting one area can have a knock-on consequence further down the line. On the question of funding, the £1 billion a year was a sum that resulted from a foresight study looking ahead over the rest of the century. If my memory serves me correctly, I think that the case was that we should be working towards the £1 billion a year by 2024. The House will be aware that we will already have got to £800 million by 2010–11—13 years earlier.