In Prime Minister’s Questions in the House of Commons earlier today Dr Neil Hudson, MP for Penrith and The Border, asked the Prime Minister about protection and support against flooding for at risk communities like those in Cumbria.
Dr Hudson asked:
“Five years on from Storm Desmond and a year on from Storm Ciara, sadly Penrith and The Border and Cumbria remain in the frontline for severe flooding events. With climate change, these catastrophes are becoming increasingly frequent and severe, and the effects on communities are serious and long term. Can my Right Honourable Friend reassure my constituents that at-risk communities will be supported by Government, both in terms of flood protection but also with longer term support including in the important area of help for the mental health impacts of flooding?”
The Prime Minister responded:
“My Honourable Friend makes a very good point about the mental health impacts of flooding. Anybody who has been a victim of flooding or who visits a family who has been hit by flooding will know the immense distress that flooding causes and that’s why the NHS will get an extra £500 million to address those issues and give more support for the mental health needs that people have.”
Speaking after the Commons session Dr Hudson added:
“I welcome that the Prime Minister referred to the mental health support that is in place on the NHS and the additional government funding that will improve provision. This will help those who are impacted by the anxiety of flooding risk and the trauma from the flooding itself.
Flooding is a serious concern of many of my constituents and it remains an endemic problem in Penrith and The Border. It is therefore vital that protections are in place to guard against the destructive consequences of flooding but also necessary support for those who fall victim to the ravaging impacts of severe weather, both physical and mental. This is an issue that is not going away so I will continue to raise it with Ministers in public and in private.”