Following Storm Isha and Jocelyn subjecting the UK to strong winds, heavy rains and flooding, Dr Neil Hudson MP publicly paid tribute to all those involved in the response efforts – keeping people safe, making sure essential public services continue and boosting future extreme weather resilience.
Along with Environment Agency workers, emergency services, local authorities, electricity companies; Dr Hudson paid specific tribute to Appleby Emergency Response Group in his constituency who do so much to protect residents in the repeatedly-flooded town.
His comments came during an Urgent Question session in the House of Commons entitled ‘UK’s resilience to recent extreme weather events, including Storm Isha and Storm Jocelyn’ led by Alex Burghart MP, The Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office.
Speaking afterwards, Dr Neil Hudson MP said:
“From people being without power to those unable to attend important appointments due to flood water or fallen trees, to the impacts on farmers and their crucial work, recent extreme weather has caused immense disruption to people’s lives.
“That is why I felt it so important to shine a light on the incredible work that has been undertaken across the nation to check on vulnerable people, open roads and get power back up and running.
“Again, a huge thank you to everyone involved for their immense efforts during such challenging circumstances.”
Full exchange in the Chamber:
Dr Neil Hudson MP asked:
“Can I thank the Minister for his statement and the Government for their clear actions to strengthen our nation's resilience. As these extreme storms again unleash damage right across the UK, will my Honourable Friend join me in sending our thoughts to the people affected: homes businesses, farms. And in paying tribute to the Environment Agency staff, emergency services, local authorities, electricity companies and volunteer groups like the Appleby Emergency Response Group in my constituency who do so much to help people and communities through the trauma and aftermath of storms and severe floods.”
Alex Burghart MP, The Parliamentary Secretary for the Cabinet Office, replied:
“Well, I thank my Honourable Friend for that and very happy to join him in paying tribute to the Appleby emergency response team. And it is so often local community organisations that both have the connections and the awareness and the intel on what's going on, on the ground that make response possible. So, very very happy to join with him in that. And glad to hear that although his constituency, I know, was hit by the storm's hard, they've managed to move on from it quickly.”
