North Shropshire MP brings MPs together to demand action over flood risk
A Shropshire MP has brought together a cross-party group of MPs to question the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs and the Met Office about flood preparations following several severe storms.
Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com
and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565
As Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Flooded Communities, North Shropshire MP Helen Morgan convened the discussion in response to the significant impacts of Storm Darragh and the on-going challenges posed by Storm Herminia.
The meeting highlighted the increasing frequency of weather warnings and what they claim is a lack of sufficient action to protect vulnerable communities from flood damage.
Yellow weather warnings were issued across Shropshire during Storm Darragh, but caused severe disruption in the region and brought much of the constituency to a standstill, according to Mrs Morgan. She said areas such as Gobowen and Melverley were particularly hard-hit.
She said the disruptions caused by the storm emphasised the need for a "more proactive and coordinated" approach to flood prevention and preparedness.
At the meeting, which was attended by MPs from across the political spectrum, attendees agreed to apply further pressure on Ministers to address the issue urgently, and will send a cross-party letter to the Minister for Flooding.
Mrs Morgan said a key focus of the discussion was to ensure that communities are properly equipped to handle storms, with improved warning systems, infrastructure investment and faster response times.
Helen Morgan, MP for North Shropshire, said: "It was incredibly useful to chair cross-party discussions on this critical issue.
"Storm Darragh has shown us how vulnerable our communities are, and with the winter storm season showing no signs of abating, we can’t afford to wait. Flood-hit areas in Shropshire and across the country need proper support and preparation, not just reactive measures after the damage is done.
"The Environment Agency and the Met Office provide useful forecasting, but the Government needs to do more. Our communities deserve a proactive approach that prioritizes their safety and resilience.
"People in places like Gobowen and Melverley shouldn’t have to live in fear every time a weather warning is issued."