Sarah Dyke MP: speeches

Speeches

• 24 Mar 2026 · Women’s Safety in Rural Areas · Hansard source

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  My hon. Friend talks about appropriate lighting. I am a keen cyclist, as are lots of women in rural areas, and 59% of women who cycle say they are really worried about their journeys and have huge safety concerns as a result. Last October, Langport cycling club took part in a glow ride to raise awareness of the need for enhanced levels of safety and visibility for women, particularly when they are cycling at night. Does my hon. Friend agree that the Government must update the design guidance to include stronger standards for appropriate lighting in rural areas, to improve women’s safety?

• 23 Mar 2026 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  T8. Criminal gangs are targeting isolated farmland and woodland, dumping lorry loads of illegal waste, which poses serious environmental risks. The Environment Agency reports that offenders are saving thousands of pounds in disposal costs while landowners face the financial responsibility of clearing the site. Will the Minister support the National Crime Agency in preventing and effectively prosecuting serious and organised rural waste crime?

• 23 Mar 2026 · Rail Connections to London: Rural Towns · Hansard source

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  My constituency contains the longest stretch of rail without a station anywhere in the country. In fact, there are only eight stations in Somerset. Langport and Somerton fall right in the middle of that isolated area, despite the Paddington to Taunton line running straight through the towns. A new station could boost access to London and drive economic growth. Does the hon. Member agree that there is a huge opportunity to drive growth in rural areas by boosting access to the railway in underserved rural communities?

• 12 Mar 2026 · Carnivals · Hansard source

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  I certainly do agree, and I thank my hon. Friend for her question this time. She makes a very good point: the income that was brought in buckets and thrown on the carts once sustained carnivals. Now, it does not go far enough to cover the cost of running them, especially with all the additional associated costs. That concern has led to leading club and committee members in my constituency, including John Dando of Glastonbury carnival committee, Sue and Gordon Stockman of Cary Comedians carnival club and Dr Andrew Tallon of Mendip Vale carnival club, founding the Carnivals in Somerset Promotion Project to protect this unique tradition and prevent it from disappearing, which could happen unless urgent efforts are made to widen participation and increase support. I thank them for founding that brilliant project to keep our brilliant carnivals alive. I would like to highlight not only what carnival clubs bring to Somerset’s culture and economy, but the opportunities they bring to members. At my roundtable, people told me about the vital practical, teamworking and social skills they gained, along with skills in engineering, electrical, carpentry, costume design, event organisation, publicity and accounting, to name but a few opportunities on offer within the carnival environment. Those are all vital, hands-on skills that can translate directly into future careers for younger members. That is particularly important in rural areas such as Somerset, where opportunities for practical learning and apprenticeships have diminished. For young people for whom the traditional education system just is not suitable, carnivals provide an outlet to develop skills, learn from experienced volunteers and contribute to their community. In Somerset, 7% of 16 to 18-year-olds are not in education, employment or training, which is above the national average. Sally Taylor from Wick carnival club in Glastonbury stressed the role that clubs play in helping young people with SEND to gain skills and opportunities, but for that to continue, we must make sure that carnival clubs can access safe and secure premises from which they can operate. Kym Tomms from South Somerset Carnival Park noted that two clubs on the south Somerset circuit face closure, as they do not have adequate physical space to run their clubs. One currently has outdoor storage space only, while the other faces the expiry of its shed lease next year. Following more than a decade of negotiations, planning permission has finally been granted for South Somerset Carnival Park to build a new storage shed on the Dillington estate for four carnival clubs. These facilities are not simply workshops; they are community and educational hubs. Although planning permission has been secured, the clubs must now raise the funds to construct the sheds—a process that organisers say could take years and obviously adds financial pressure. Carnival clubs across the region are facing umpteen barriers when seeking permission for the industrial-sized units needed to build their carts. We need a planning system that supports local enterprise and recognises when development will bring benefit to communities. Supporting carnivals and carnival clubs is an investment in transferable skills, strengthening communities and providing opportunities for young people. Health and safety is absolutely paramount for carnival clubs and carnival committees. Since the late 1990s, organisers have rightly seen increased regulations designed to protect participants, spectators and volunteers. Since the covid-19 pandemic, sadly, Somerset council has not held any safety advisory group meetings prior to carnival season that include all the relevant stakeholders. Avon and Somerset police operational planning specialist Andy Newland told me that reimplementing this advisory group is key to enable these important discussions. Due to the crisis in local authority funding, Somerset council has been forced to move to a risk assessment approach. That is why I am calling for councils to be subject to a statutory requirement to hold safety advisory group meetings with all relevant stakeholders ahead of carnival. With support from central Government for local cultural events, we can make sure that our carnivals remain safe and well-organised celebrations for years to come. In the 1990s, Avon and Somerset police introduced a vehicle special order specifying the height, weight and length of a cart, known as “the box”. Diane from Harlequin carnival club told me that the approach has levelled the playing field for clubs in competition, as they are all building to the same dimensions, while also seeking to improve public safety. That is a good thing, but the restrictions have diminished the creativity and flexibility that carnival clubs rely on when designing the carts and the fabulously themed productions. For example, if a performer’s arm movement goes too far outside the box, that is a breach of the safety restrictions that have been imposed. Although I understand why the regulations on the box are in place while the cart is being transported along the highways outside of a procession, it is really important that we are able to flex the regulations to make sure that, while the carnival is in procession, it is as spectacular as possible. To achieve the right balance between safety and expression, I implore the Minister to bring together the Vehicle Certification Agency and carnival clubs and committees in Somerset, so that they can voice their concerns. The clubs and committees are not opposed to the regulations and support sensible restrictions—they themselves called for stronger safety regulations to professionalise carnivals in the late 1990s—but they must be fair and developed in co-ordination with those looking to keep this tradition alive. Carnivals are a wonderful example of community cohesion, brought to fruition by the hard work and commitment of local volunteers. They bring people together across communities, as they have for hundreds of years, and we must make sure that they continue to do so in the future. Put simply, carnival is part of Somerset’s DNA, so I hope that we can secure its long-term future.

• 12 Mar 2026 · Carnivals · Hansard source

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  I beg to move, That this House has considered Government support for carnivals. It is a pleasure to serve under your chairship, Mrs Harris. I thank the Backbench Business Committee for scheduling this important debate. Carnivals have been celebrated in Somerset for over 400 years and continue to be wonderful celebrations that are of economic, social and cultural importance to the country. They are part of the fabric of so many communities: it is estimated that across the country, 220 traditional English carnivals still take place each year. They are often aligned with saints’ days or events in the agricultural calendar, which reflects their origin as part of England’s cultural life. Across our nation, carnivals promote cultural inclusivity and multiculturalism, as can be seen at the Notting Hill carnival, which welcomes over 1 million spectators annually. Last Friday, I was pleased to bring local carnival club members, committee members and stakeholders together at a roundtable event in Glastonbury. It was a pleasure to meet so many dedicated volunteers who work tirelessly to make Somerset’s illuminated carnivals so special. I am grateful to everyone who took the time to share their experiences, concerns and hopes for the future. Carnival is their passion, and it is their deep commitment to it that keeps the much-loved tradition alive. The number of hours that each club and each committee puts into building and maintaining their carts and organising each carnival is simply astounding. Mini Sheppard, a member of the Mendip Vale carnival club, spends six nights a week committed to assisting local carnival clubs, while building and maintaining carts. That highlights the level of commitment that club and committee members give to carnival, as do so many others. For most people involved in carnival, this dedication spans decades; for some, it is a lifetime. In Somerset, the tradition of carnival originates from Guy Fawkes’s foiled Catholic gunpowder plot of 1605. From those roots, carnivals continue to be an integral part of Somerset’s cultural identity. West country carnivals are unique in being illuminated night-time winter events organised solely by local volunteers. Nigel Clarke from Wells City carnival committee told me that “it is our love for this tradition that binds the whole community together.” Illuminated carnival parades occur in more than 30 towns across Somerset between August and November. The most famous are the magnificent seven of the Somerset county Guy Fawkes circuit. This fantastic circuit starts in Bridgwater and concludes with Glastonbury carnival, which will be held this year on 21 November. Glastonbury carnival celebrations can be dated back to at least the mid-19th century. Records show that in the 1840s, bonfires and a carnival were organised by the “bonfire boys”. A turning point in the attitude to Glastonbury’s carnival celebrations came in 1920, when the Chilkwell Guy Fawkes carnival committee was formed. Other carnivals in my constituency are Wincanton and Castle Cary, which are both part of the Wessex grand prix circuit. The circuit was the brainchild of Keith Berry of Frome carnival association and Gordon Stockman of Castle Cary carnival society, and I am pleased to say that this year it celebrates its 41st year. Given illuminated carnivals’ unique place in British history, they must feature on the UK’s inventory of living heritage. It is incumbent on the Government to ensure that they remain a living part of our heritage and are not allowed to disappear from Somerset’s streets. Not only are carnivals a cherished, integral part of Somerset’s cultural identity, they are economically significant to our region. Across the south-west, culture plays an important role in the regional economy. It is estimated to be worth over £1 billion annually, with Somerset’s carnival season generating over £40 million every year. The events provide a major boost to local businesses, with carnivals generating a large increase in footfall that supports the hospitality, catering, retail, leisure and entertainment sectors. Hazel DeGregorio, the chairperson of Glastonbury Chilkwell carnival, told me that more than 400,000 spectators attended the seven Somerset county carnivals in 2025, with more than 100,000 visitors gathering in Glastonbury for the day of the Chilkwell carnival. I can attest to that as I was there, and it was the most wonderful procession. The magnificent seven of the Somerset county Guy Fawkes circuit contribute more than £4 million each year to Somerset’s economy. The tourism sector is huge for the west country’s economy, and illuminated carnivals help to sustain that economic activity during the winter months, bringing visitors and spending into rural communities during the quieter tourist off-season. The benefits are not only economic, but charitable. Since 1980, more than £2 million has been raised through street collections at the seven Somerset carnivals, with much of that money supporting local charities and community groups. Behind every carnival are the clubs and committees that work tirelessly all year round, fundraising, building carts and organising processions, while feeding back into the local economy at every step. When we talk about Somerset’s illuminated carnivals, we are not only talking about spectacle, culture and tradition. We are also talking about jobs, businesses, tourism, charity and community investment.

• 12 Mar 2026 · Carnivals · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for her contribution—it was not really a question. I wholeheartedly endorse her offer of a visit to carnival in Somerset; it is a spectacular sight, as she rightly points out. I will come on to her point about the importance of young people continuing to be a part of the tradition, and about the skills that they can learn by getting involved in carnival. Despite the economic significance of carnivals to Somerset and the wider south-west, carnival clubs and organising committees face rising costs that threaten their long-term sustainability. The cost of participation has increased significantly: it now costs more than £30,000 to put one single illuminated cart on the road during a procession. The costs include materials, fuel—another significant cost that will increase this year, as we know—tractor and generator hire, insurance and health and safety compliance. All those costs have risen and continue to rise. Historically, carnival clubs have sustained themselves through a combination of membership fees, local fundraising and sponsorship from local businesses, but with small businesses navigating a challenging fiscal landscape, many simply cannot afford to sponsor local clubs, no matter how much they value them. Given those challenges, I would welcome it if the Minister outlined how the Government plan to safeguard the viability of Somerset’s illuminated carnivals, and whether they recognise the financial damage that losing them would inflict on our regional economy. Carnival committees also face increases in the cost of insurance, licences, safety infrastructure and prize money. Paul Burch, the entries secretary and lead organiser of Castle Cary and Ansford carnival society, told me that the cost of organising and running its carnival is likely to rise from £9,000 in 2022 to more than £13,000 this year. The carnival in Wincanton, in the east of my constituency, was revived by John Sansom in 1977, but sadly had to stop in 2009 for six years because of a number of financial restrictions. Thankfully, a local committee was formed in 2015 to bring back that much-loved carnival. Volunteers are key to running successful carnivals, but with fewer volunteers available, some carnival committees, such as Castle Cary’s, are now forced to pay professional marshalling costs to assist with manning the road closures. For smaller carnival committees, the costs are even more crippling. South Somerset carnival park committee’s costs, which cover insurance, first aid, radio hire, barriers and road closures, now exceed £6,000 and are rising. These growing costs place enormous pressure on those volunteers and committees. A key reason why carnival committees are struggling is the sharp decline in money raised through street collections. For generations, collections taken along the carnival routes would help to cover the cost of events, with a significant remainder donated to local charities. Reg Cohen, president of Glastonbury Chilkwell carnival, tells me that collections have been falling year on year, with the coins and notes that once filled collection buckets becoming far less common in an increasingly cashless society. Those who went to carnivals years ago will remember throwing coins at a cart as it was going by. As we go out with less and less cash in our pockets, that happens less and less. Carnival committees in Somerset have attempted to adapt by introducing QR codes and digital donations, but in many of Somerset’s rural towns, unreliable mobile signals make that almost impossible. It is also very difficult logistically, because spectators simply do not want to be doing all that while they are at a carnival procession; they want to be watching the amazing illuminated carts go by.

• 12 Mar 2026 · Carnivals · Hansard source

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  I thank all hon. Members for their contributions and give special thanks to the hon. Member for Weston-super-Mare (Dan Aldridge), who co-sponsored the debate alongside me. As has been outlined, carnivals are a distinctive and important part of British cultural heritage. For many in Somerset, they are a key point of celebration throughout the year. I appreciate the Minister’s supportive comments recognising the value that they bring and extend an invitation to her and you, Mrs Harris, to join me at Glastonbury carnival on 21 November. You will be very welcome there. We must make sure that carnivals across the UK are supported, and I hope that today’s debate will help us focus our minds on the work that is needed to ensure that these celebrations take place long into the future. I hope the debate has illuminated to this place the special social, cultural and economic importance of carnivals to Somerset. Let us keep their lights on. To finish, it seems appropriate to quote Robbie Williams: let us make sure that they are “Back for Good” and let us make sure that we let them “entertain you”. Question put and agreed to. Resolved, That this House has considered Government support for carnivals.

• 10 Mar 2026 · Fur: Import and Sale · Hansard source

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  It is an honour to serve with you in the Chair this morning, Ms Jardine. I congratulate the hon. Member for Newport West and Islwyn (Ruth Jones) on securing this important debate, and I pay tribute to her tireless campaigning on animal rights. It is a pleasure to speak on behalf of the Liberal Democrats today. We have a track record of animal rights advocacy, and we are clear that the fur trade should have no place in this country, which has some of the highest animal welfare standards anywhere in the world. Yet today’s debate has outlined a glaring contradiction. We have banned the cruelty at home, but by continuing to source fur from overseas, we remain wholly complicit in this unnecessary suffering. It is understandable that over three quarters of the British public want to see this double standard ended for good. I commend the work of the Fur Free Britain coalition in mobilising such strong public opinion on the topic of fur. The Liberal Democrats support the protection of animal rights and welfare, both domestically and internationally. The previous Conservative Government wrongly pivoted on their decision to scrap the planned ban on the import of fur, and we now call on this Government to enact a comprehensive ban on the import and sale of fur and fur-related products, once and for all, to help to maintain the UK as a global leader in the promotion of animal welfare. The moral arguments have been well rehearsed by many hon. and right hon. Members today, and those arguments are full of merit. However, I will also evaluate some of the arguments put forward by the fur industry against a ban. The British Fur Trade Association has stated that a ban would not improve animal welfare standards, would result in illegal fur imports, would be unenforceable and would lead to job losses. In addition, it argues that a ban would raise concerns that the World Trade Organisation rules might be broken. The BFTA has proposed a five-point plan for the Government, including improved labelling of fur products. However, let me be clear that keeping animals in cages for their whole lives inevitably leads to a variety of physical and psychological health problems, so the fur industry’s certification schemes clearly incorporate a high tolerance for poor welfare. Under the “WelFur” approach used within Furmark, farms can retain accreditation even when significant levels of illness and injury persist. The scheme allows alarm thresholds, under which no serious action is triggered. How we treat animals is a reflection of who we are as a society. The UK is a nation of animal lovers, and we should be proud of the action we have taken to lead the world in upholding some of the highest animal welfare standards. When we take a stand, others follow, such as with the ban on fur farming that was implemented in the early 2000s. Since then, over 20 countries have followed suit. That is something to be proud of, and there is now an opportunity for us to extend that legacy even further. It is disappointing that there have been claims that a ban would result in job losses and economic damage. A recent report by WPI Economics on behalf of Humane World for Animals has revealed that that is simply not the case. The fur trade’s contribution to the UK economy is very limited and has declined significantly over recent years. In 2023, the value of international fur exports and imports into the UK had fallen by nearly 50% and 39% respectively since 2018, while data from the Business Register Employment Survey shows that the number of people employed in the sector is also declining sharply. Indeed, in 2022-23 only 35 people were employed in the sector in the UK. There is also growing evidence that a ban is enforceable under WTO rules. The landmark 2014 WTO ruling on the EU’s ban on the import of seal skins shows that WTO rules permit restrictions on imports based on ethical concerns. In March 2021, the UK Trade and Agriculture Commission recommended that the UK should show world leadership in embedding animal welfare into international trade policy and in helping to raise standards worldwide, which is what the public want. Polling suggests that 77% of the public back a ban on the import and sale of fur and fur-related products, while 96% of respondents to the call for evidence under the last Government strongly agreed that it is wrong for animals to be killed for their fur. In the build-up to this debate, many of my constituents in Glastonbury and Somerton wrote to me to outline their support for a ban. All were united in their belief that it is time to end this cruel, outdated and unnecessary trade, and I agree with them. I underscore that the global fur trade, of which the UK is still a part, is not just a problem for animals; it is a serious public health risk. The interface between humans and millions of intensively kept and traded animals is giving rise to an era of unprecedented zoonotic disease threats, and fur farming sits squarely in that danger zone. Professor Edward Holmes, an evolutionary biologist and virologist from the University of Sydney, said of the fur trade, “I think that this trade is a roll of the dice. We’re exposing ourselves to viruses that come from wildlife,” which is “an obvious route for the next pandemic to occur… Fur farms present a clear epidemic or pandemic risk.” Crucially, this is not a hypothetical risk. Reports and official responses in Europe have shown outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza affecting fur-bearing animals on farms, and public health and biosecurity measures are not consistently implemented in practice. We must heed virologists’ warnings and not sleepwalk into another global pandemic. I take this opportunity to recognise some of the Government’s progress on the issue. I was pleased to see the Government publish the results of the previous Government’s call for evidence on the fur trade. I also welcome the recently launched animal welfare strategy for England, which promises the highest jump in welfare in a generation. It is clear, however, that trade policy must go hand in hand with domestic welfare action. If we do not do that, we risk offshoring animal cruelty. We must not import goods that are not allowed to be produced in this country, and we must extend that to food products produced abroad to standards that would be illegal for British farmers. The Liberal Democrats want to see minimum standards for all imported food, to meet UK animal welfare standards, and we must ensure that no animal product that would be illegal to produce in the UK can be sold in Britain, including foie gras. The Liberal Democrats have also urged the Government to sign the sanitary and phytosanitary agreement with the EU as soon as possible, and to ensure alignment on standards and quality. Part of those discussions will likely focus on the import of fur. Given that it is not an agrifood commodity, however, incorporating it into the SPS agreement would serve only to complicate the matter unnecessarily and delay the process. The Minister has previously indicated her support for a ban, as have many Cabinet Ministers, many Labour Members and most of Parliament. There is cross-party consensus on the issue, and it is shameful that the previous Conservative Government reversed their commitment to action. This Government must now do the right thing and take this opportunity, once again, to make Britain a global trailblazer by banning the sale and import of fur and fur-related products as soon as possible. The fur trade has no place in a country with such high standards of animal welfare. It is hypocritical to allow the import and sale of real fur from abroad. The Liberal Democrats support the protection of animal rights and welfare, both domestically and internationally. We call on the Government to enact the comprehensive ban on the import and sale of fur and fur-related products once and for all, helping to maintain the UK as a global leader in the sale and promotion of animal welfare.

• 10 Mar 2026 · English Rugby · Hansard source

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  I founded North Dorset women’s rugby club back in 1995 and I am very pleased to say that it is still going. There is now also a fantastic girls’ team, linked with Castle Cary rugby club in my constituency, for girls aged between 12 and 18. There has been some great work on facilities and there has been some funding available through Impact ’25 to help with changing facilities for women and girls. It ends at the end of this month, but it needs to continue. Does my hon. Friend agree that we need that funding in order to ensure that there is that ability to include women and girls in our rugby clubs, particularly in rural areas?

• 10 Mar 2026 · English Rugby · Hansard source

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  Holly Davidson made history in February when she took charge of the Ireland versus Italy Six Nations game in Dublin, becoming the first woman to referee a men’s game. Being a proud Scot, will he join me in congratulating her on that terrific move for women’s participation in rugby generally?

• 10 Mar 2026 · Extreme Climate and Weather Events: National Resilience · Hansard source

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  I thank the hon. Member for securing this important debate. Storm Chandra hit the Somerset levels terribly badly. Water falling on already saturated land caused huge issues for many people. Farmers play a crucial role in managing our floodwaters. One farmer, Mike Curtis, who farms in Muchelney, took me and the Water and Flooding Minister out when she visited at the beginning of the month, showing the amount of water that can be stored on their land to save many other communities and thousands of homes in Bridgwater and Taunton from flooding. Mike told me that they are happy to store that water on their land to stop flooding further down the catchment, but does the hon. Member agree that farmers like Mike, as they are providing a public good, should be properly and fairly compensated?

• 9 Mar 2026 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  T1. If he will make a statement on his departmental responsibilities.

• 9 Mar 2026 · Topical Questions · Hansard source

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  Skills bootcamps in Somerset give businesses in Glastonbury and Somerton the opportunity to collaborate with training providers. This helps to address persistent skills shortages. However, changes to funding allocations could see Somerset lose nearly 70% of its funding. Will the Minister urgently review the skills bootcamp funding methodology? Without it, an important pathway for residents to gain valuable skills and to support economic prosperity in Somerset will be compromised.

• 9 Mar 2026 · Middle East: Economic Update · Hansard source

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  Since the outbreak of the conflict in the middle east, heating oil prices have increased by over 100%. That is a harsh reminder that relying on volatile fossil fuel markets leaves households financially vulnerable. Many rural households are off the gas grid, so constituents such as Julian from East Lambrook are not protected by the energy price cap. Does the Chancellor agree that that is unfair on rural communities, and will she take steps to develop a mechanism to protect those householders from damaging global fossil fuel price shocks?

• 23 Feb 2026 · Firearms Licensing · Hansard source

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  It is an honour to serve with you in the Chair, Mrs Barker. I thank the Petitions Committee, and I thank the hon. Member for South Norfolk (Ben Goldsborough) for introducing the debate in such a balanced manner. I also thank the 445 petitioners of Glastonbury and Somerton. Gun controls should be strengthened only when there is a clear necessity to protect public safety. We Liberal Democrats share concerns that any changes to firearms licensing, including the reclassification of shotguns, must be evidence-based and go hand in hand with the appropriate support. The Health and Safety Executive suggests that intervention is required only when the risk has reached one death per 1 million of the population. In the UK, the average rate of homicide using legally held firearms stands at one per 15 million people. That is not to say that any death is not a tragedy, but what it does show is that we already have one of the most robust firearms licensing systems in the world. However, balancing responsible gun ownership with public safety and public perception is a delicate task. The Liberal Democrats stand opposed to the Government’s proposal, as the current evidence indicates that there is no need to merge section 2 and section 1 licences. Both licences already require rigorous and identical health and safety checks. However, the system must be sufficiently resourced, and currently it is not. The policy poses a real risk to rural communities, both culturally and economically, so I would welcome the Minister’s feedback on what evidence the Government hold that indicates that individuals who own more than one gun are more likely to commit more crimes, and on how the proposed changes will deliver actual improvements to public safety. Last week, I held an informative roundtable discussion in Street in my constituency, with more than 20 stakeholders from the shooting industry. The key feedback from that group was that the merger is ideological, and that it is a solution in search of a problem. One attendee, Steve—the owner of Ivythorn Sporting in Street, which specialises in firearms—reiterated that his primary responsibility, above being a gun dealer, is to protect public safety. He is acutely aware of his responsibility and will sell guns only to those he deems fit, with the correct paperwork. Like many gun dealers, Steve feels that he is just as effective at spotting fake licences as the licensing authorities, because officers in those authorities are given very little training. As we have heard, shooting is a vital part of the rural economy, contributing over £3.3 billion annually and leading to £9.3 billion in wider economic activity, supporting 67,000 full-time jobs, and investing £500 million into conservation efforts every year. It is highly likely that increasing barriers to obtaining a firearms licence will drive people out of shooting. It has been estimated that this could lose the economy over £1 billion and cost more than 20,000 jobs in rural areas. For farmers, making shotguns subject to more stringent section 1 licensing controls, particularly in relation to the location, use and purchase of ammunition, would eliminate the flexibility that they require to undertake effective pest control. Cameron, the farm manager at The Newt in Somerset, told me that he currently has multiple gun users active on his farm estate. In future, if he is required to monitor this and keep a record, he said that it is very likely that he would revoke those permissions. That would impact pest control on his estate and businesses whose job is to control pests. In addition, for many farmers operating under increased economic pressure, diversification into game or clay pigeon shooting can sometimes be the only option to keep their farm business viable. I have also spoken to Andy, who is the founder of Avalon Guns Ltd. in Street. He sells thousands of shotguns and rifles every year, and has built a successful business from the ground up since opening in 1983. He told me that this policy would simply devastate his business and the UK gun trade, because 90% of UK gun sales are of shotguns, and the proposed merger would decimate demand and force licensed gun shops across the country to close for good. Although the Liberal Democrats are supportive of the Government’s consultation on this policy, there is much frustration across the industry, because the consultation on the merger was expected before Christmas. Can the Minister provide some clarity today about when the consultation will be forthcoming and further details about what will be considered in the Government’s intended policy? The wait is fuelling great uncertainty within the sector. It is affecting future planning and the viability of many rural businesses. I turn to sport, because the merger risks damaging the sporting pathway that has underpinned British shooting successes. Clay pigeon shooting is often the entry point for young people taking up shooting as a competitive sport, providing a safe and structured introduction to it. Shooters must hold a full section 1 licence and potentially formal membership of every club that they might visit. That would make it nigh-on impossible for shooters to qualify for professional events. Team GB won gold in the men’s trap event and silver in the women’s skeet event at the last Olympics in Paris. We should celebrate and nurture British shooting’s success and widen access to participation, not narrow it down. I have also spoken to some enactors, such as Jane, from Montacute, who is a member of the English Civil War Society. This merger will significantly increase the costs of control for blank-firing, muzzle-led weapons, with black powder weapons requiring a separate certificate for use. The change will not only add to the costly administrative burden that enactors already face. Their society plays a key role in stimulating interest in our cultural past, but this policy risks losing enactors if they are not given the same exemption as those using theatrical guns. Currently within the UK, responsibility for the issuing and implementation of firearms licences rests with the local police force’s firearms licensing department. As we have heard, each of the 43 licensing units operate with different standards for assessing and issuing licences. At this point, I should declare an interest as a shotgun licence-holder—or indeed, I was until about a month ago, when my brother and I decided that we should give up our licences because we do not use them enough. I hold a licence in Somerset; my guns were kept in my brother’s gun cabinet on a farm two miles down the road in Dorset. It was such an administrative headache that he and I sadly decided, given the amount of use we got from them, to give up our licences. That just proves how difficult things can be, even with some very simple elements. This proposed merger, while well intentioned, risks adding significant costs, complexities and delays to an already overstretched and underfunded system. Under the proposal, those wishing to use or own a shotgun would be required to go through the same application processes as a rifle owner. Police firearms licensing departments would be required to carry out more stringent checks on potential shotgun owners, necessitating land inspections, enforcing specific restrictions on where and when a gun can be used, and requiring a justification for possessing specific firearms. The merger will add enormous administrative pressure to police forces, which are already overwhelmed by the current system. Over a quarter of forces take more than a year to process applications, and some take up to three years. For example, in the second quarter of 2025, Avon and Somerset police completed 99% of its applications within four months; however, Cambridgeshire police was able to process only 37% of its applications during the same period. Rural police forces, which are responsible for areas with the highest level of gun ownership, will now face a potential fourfold increase in workload, with no corresponding uplift in resources. Will the Minister confirm what assessment has been made of the scale of the additional workload that police forces will face because of the proposal? Currently, Avon and Somerset police’s firearms licensing department is not able to take telephone enquiries due to its unmanageable workload. Without the additional resource that the Home Office proposals will require, it will simply not be able to provide a viable service. In addition, the current process is archaic, bureaucratic and reliant on a paper-based system. It is simply not fit for purpose, and it is certainly not fit for the future. If driving licences—although, as we have heard, they are probably not the best example—and passports can be processed digitally, surely it would be more efficient for gun licences to be issued in that way, especially when we consider the 138% increase in gun licence fees brought in last February. The fee hike was implemented to help to tackle processing inefficiencies across all departments, but concerningly, less than half of all forces have used the additional resources to improve their processing timeframes. Those are the reasons why the Liberal Democrats are calling for a centralised national firearms agency that would shift to a digital processing system, standardise fees, reduce wait times, and ensure that safeguards, such as medical markers, are implemented effectively and consistently. Such a reform to gun licensing authorities would remove the administrative burden crippling police licensing departments, allowing the police to focus on their primary role of frontline community policing. Many across the industry feel that the Government are trying to find a solution to a problem that the evidence suggests does not need addressing. Stakeholders argue that the current system would work if it was enforced and resourced properly, rather than there being a gap in the current law. Firearms licensing must protect public safety while remaining fair, workable and proportionate for those who hold licences responsibly and lawfully.

• 11 Feb 2026 · Storm Chandra Flooding · Hansard source

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  I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. I wholeheartedly agree. Every flooding incident is different and sometimes it is difficult to dictate where flooding incidents will happen, but there is certainly a lot more we can do. The Minister and I talked about the trigger points with the Environment Agency yesterday, which it has committed to looking at. I also agree that communication with local authorities and a collaborative, joined-up approach should be better. I also feel that communities should have better real-time information on flooding. There is a really good example of that in the River Cam catchment, where flood monitors have been put on bridges and an app tracks the flow of water so that communities within the catchment are aware of any significant increase in the water levels. I hope that that can be rolled out so that our communities can be better protected and can better protect themselves in these instances of terrific rainfall.

• 11 Feb 2026 · Storm Chandra Flooding · Hansard source

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  I could not agree more. We need mitigation, resilience and protection, but we also need to support our communities through the aftermath. That is absolutely crucial. I thank my hon. Friend for his intervention. While it is yet to be confirmed, it looks like the ongoing pumping operation this year will once again supersede its predecessors that I mentioned. What does that tell us about flooding in Somerset? Despite the Government’s claim that they are investing a record £10.5 billion in flood defences, the reality is that these problems are critical now, and they are continuing to grow. Despite that, analysis by Flooded People UK shows that capital spending commitment is at a lower annual rate than the previous capital regime. In Somerset, we need action and investment to ensure the availability of critical assets in emergencies, when they are needed to mitigate flooding. Every £1 spent by the Government prevents £5 in damage, and means £2 in direct savings to the Exchequer, yet national flooding budgets have been cut in real terms. It is crucial that the Government invest in cost-effective strategies relating to flood preparedness, prevention, traditional flood defences and nature-based solutions, so that communities like those in Somerset and the constituency of my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot (Martin Wrigley) are not left to fend for themselves. Communities that are deemed to be at flood risk have long felt abandoned by Government and their agencies; the Environment Agency’s recent decision to withdraw from main river maintenance owing to funding shortfalls is a clear example of this. With no consultation, riparian owners in Somerset were issued with withdrawal notices last summer, and were left with the responsibility for undertaking maintenance work alone—a decision that has rightly heightened anxieties about further flood risks. Appropriate maintenance of main rivers reduces the likelihood that channel capacity will be exceeded or assets will fail. The likelihood, extent, depth, and duration of flooding, and the damage caused by it, is then significantly reduced. We do not need to go back very far to understand the profound impact that this can have. Main river maintenance reduced over several years leading up to 2012, and what followed was a catastrophic flood in 2012, and then, of course, the extreme flood during the winter of 2013. It has been evidenced that had regular main river maintenance been undertaken, those events would have had much less of an impact. That is why the Liberal Democrats are calling for an urgent review of the decision to effectively abandon main river maintenance. We are also calling for a further £5.3 billion of investment to ensure that flood defences are built quickly and provided to all necessary communities to increase local preparedness and resilience. It is not in doubt that the cost of flood defences and resilience is significant, but the cost of getting this wrong or doing nothing is far greater. Some £6.1 billion in gross value added has been lost from downward pressure as a result of flooding in the last five to 10 years. Given that one in four properties nationally, and some 1,500 in Glastonbury and Somerton alone, will be at flood risk by 2050, the costs will only rise. That scenario opens up a broader question about communication and how different bodies—including the Government, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, the EA, internal drainage boards, the Somerset Rivers Authority and Somerset council—work together with communities and individuals. In the meantime, many riparian owners are confused about what their responsibilities are, and more must still be done to improve communication and understanding. This lack of clarity is causing frustration and yet further anxiety. I was pleased that the Minister found time to meet the Somerset internal drainage board with me yesterday. The board has called for a collaborative approach, but that must be backed with appropriate local and national funding to move it forward, and it must be sustainable. Any change will take time to implement, so it is paramount that the necessary main river maintenance works continue until alternative solutions are in place. Alongside the importance of ensuring that dredging and regular maintenance take place, I would like to highlight the importance of natural flood management and its part in making Somerset more resilient to flooding. I am aware that the Minister shares my appreciation for such solutions, but as the Environmental Audit Committee report made clear, these interventions remain undervalued and underused in England, and must take their place alongside hard engineering projects. The urgent need to build more homes has led to there being full or conditional planning permission for more than 7,000 new homes in England on previously undeveloped floodplain land. I am clear that new developments should not be built on floodplains, because they increase the speed of run-off and the risk of flooding downstream, putting homes and communities at risk. We desperately need new homes, but if Somerset is to hit the Government’s house building targets, the question must be: where do the houses go? Surface water flooding is the fastest-accelerating risk affecting areas of the country that are not traditionally expected to flood. The Liberal Democrats have led calls to ensure that new homes are built with a range of measures to enhance their flood resilience, and to ensure that sustainable urban drainage systems do their job and are maintained properly. We also believe that older homes should be retrofitted to help mitigate the risk of flooding. I pay credit to my constituent Tim Adams, the flood warden for Blackford, just outside Wincanton. Tim has undertaken research on the rapid run-off of surface water from the A303, which has often been recognised as materially increasing flood risk. His work has shown how attenuation ponds or wetlands could reduce peak flows, improve water quality and deliver biodiversity gains. In my view, it is essential to use citizen science, local knowledge and natural flood management techniques in a catchment area approach to flood mitigation. We must also recognise the key role that farmers play in flood management by storing floodwater on their land, protecting those downstream, and consider building natural flood defences, because 58% of grade 1 agricultural land is situated on a floodplain, while 9% is at high risk of coastal flooding. If there is not appropriate insurance in place to compensate farmers for holding water on their land to prevent communities from flooding, we put those businesses under increased financial pressure after each and every flood event. Yesterday, Mike Curtis told the Minister and me that he had reared cattle in Thorney for over 30 years, with his herd peaking at 750 head of beef cattle 10 years ago. He now keeps less than half that number, because his land spends so much time under water. While Mike’s land saves thousands of homes downstream from flooding, he is unable to access any Government compensation for these losses to his business. Sadly, Mike is not alone in facing this. Trish and Ron from Bineham City Farm near Knole also have hundreds of acres under water, and will run short of feed for their dairy herd before they are able to turn their cattle out this year. This is having a massive, catastrophic impact on their business. That is why farmers who store water on their land to protect housing or other critical infrastructure—they are providing a public good—should be properly recognised for doing so and compensated fairly. Liberal Democrats would tailor the qualifying criteria for the farming recovery fund to reflect the realities of flooding for rural communities and farmers. We would also raise the environmental land management scheme budget by £1 billion, to support farmers in their transition to environmentally sustainable farming, and to recognise their key role in accepting and managing flood water. Flood defences in Somerset cannot be run on a shoestring budget. We urgently need to ensure that critical assets are available and able to operate at capacity during flood events. We must use the multitude of flood defence techniques available to ensure that our communities are resilient to future extreme weather events. There is much work to be done to ensure that England has a strong framework that recognises the role of the multiple bodies and agencies that work together to make flood-resilient communities. To conclude as I began, flooding can have a profound impact on mental health, affecting individuals and communities long after the waters recede. We must always remember the very real and persistent anxiety that flood victims experience; that must be central when considering future Government support for communities at risk of flooding.

• 11 Feb 2026 · Storm Chandra Flooding · Hansard source

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  I thank the hon. Gentleman for his kind words and for his intervention. Indeed, nature-based solutions and natural flood defences are absolutely important—I know that the Minister is also an advocate for them—and I will come on to that later on in my speech. In this place, I have advocated for communities to receive the support they need to develop their own bespoke extreme weather resilience plans. I pay tribute to the tireless work done by people such as Flood Mary in helping victims of flooding and raising awareness of flood risk and property flood resilience. Communities who regularly suffer flooding are resilient, but they deserve action and investment. Flood resilience in Somerset cannot be achieved on a shoestring budget and people deserve better. The Prime Minister has spoken about “national security for national renewal”. We must remember that resilience to flooding is part of our national security. I thank the Minister for joining me in Glastonbury and Somerton yesterday. We visited Langport, Thorney and Drayton to see the impact Storm Chandra has had on the area. I am sure she would agree, after hearing from the farmer Mike Curtis, who took us on his tractor and showed us some of his land, that Somerset communities are resilient, but much more must be done to protect them from flooding. If flooding does happen, they must have the tools on hand and the support in place to help their communities mitigate it.

• 11 Feb 2026 · Storm Chandra Flooding · Hansard source

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  I am pleased that the consultation is open, and that will be good news for riparian owners across Somerset. Should the consultation come back saying that riparian owners need to continue to do their own maintenance work, what support will be put in place for those who do not have the equipment or the wherewithal to support that? If we are looking at a holistic approach, then if one riparian owner decides not to do any maintenance, what will be the knock-on effect? How do we then ensure that our network of rivers is resilient and does not flood other areas?

• 11 Feb 2026 · Storm Chandra Flooding · Hansard source

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  In a previous life, before being elected to this House, I was the lead member for climate change and environment on Somerset council. Somerset has a lower-than-average tree canopy cover at 8%, compared with the national average of 14%, so we committed in our 10-year tree strategy to plant more trees. There are lots of community groups doing that across Somerset, including Reimagining the Levels, which brings together volunteer networks to plant trees. I was out on Ham Hill a couple of months ago planting 3,000 trees for exactly that reason: once those trees become established, they can soak in more moisture and play their part in slowing the flow through those catchment areas. I wholeheartedly agree with the hon. Lady. According to the Environmental Audit Committee’s report into flood resilience, “the UK is not on track to be fully…flood resilient by the time” the Flood Re programme ends in 2039. It further states that without clear standards, flood resilience is just “a vague ambition rather than a deliverable goal.” I would appreciate the Minister’s comments on what she means when she talks about resilience, especially at community level. Some communities have spent time and money putting in place property-level mitigations but still face flooding. How can they better understand what it means to be flood resilient? The memories of the devastating 2013-14 floods are still painfully vivid in the minds of those who experienced them. Following those floods, the Environment Agency carried out what was, at the time, the single largest pumping operation ever undertaken in Somerset. Following flooding in January 2023, the EA once again put in place another large temporary pumping operation on the levels and moors.

• 11 Feb 2026 · Storm Chandra Flooding · Hansard source

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  I am grateful for having secured this debate on the Government’s response to flooding as a result of Storm Chandra. Before I begin, I want to pay tribute to the hard work and dedication of everyone involved in the flood effort in Somerset. I would also like to take a moment to recognise the impact that flooding has on people’s mental health. Victims of repeated flooding describe living in a “permanent state of anxiety”, and this has been palpable when hearing from residents across the Glastonbury and Somerton constituency over the last few weeks. There has been a feeling of déjà vu, and of “Here we go again!” Between 26 and 27 January, Storm Chandra, hot on the heels of Storms Goretti and Ingrid, brought exceptional rainfall to Somerset: 50 mm of intense rainfall fell across large parts of Somerset causing widespread flooding and set new 24-hour rainfall records in many parts of the south-west. Somerset council acted swiftly, and declared a major incident as 50 homes across the county fell victim to floodwater. The major incident remains in place following persistent rain over the following two weeks, with yet more rain in the forecast and high spring tides imminent. Because the ground is fully saturated, local rivers are highly sensitive to further rainfall, while five flood warnings and 11 flood alerts remain in place across Somerset. Roads are still flooded and communities are cut off. This issue will not disappear of its own accord. Climate change pushes the extremes, and Somerset, which is so often at the forefront of climate change, will see further extreme weather, with prolonged droughts and intense rainfall becoming common. The Environment Agency projects that there will be a 90% increase in properties at risk from river and coastal flooding, alongside an increase in surface water flood risk by the 2080s. Physical damage alone is estimated at £2.4 billion annually, and it could rise to £3.6 billion annually by 2050. Insurers are set to pay out £1.6 billion for weather-related property claims made last year alone, as the UK battles with the impact of climate change. The Government response to flooding incidents such as Storm Chandra must not just focus on helping the communities currently dealing with flood water, but on how we can better protect those communities and help them to be more resilient in future. Building flood-resilient communities is desperately important and it must be a priority, because these events are getting more frequent and more serious. Before I move on, I would like to reflect on what we really mean when we discuss resilience. Constituents in Glastonbury and Somerton are dealing with flooding with ever more regularly. Louise owns GingerFred dance studio in Langport. She told me that she has been battling the floodwater that has been lapping up against at her dance studio door for the past two weeks. Despite questioning whether she might have to move her studio, which she has been running for 14 years now—that has been some hard graft—she is absolutely determined to fight on. She wants to fight on, but she also wants to learn how she can better understand flooding, be resilient to it, and help to protect other businesses and help her community.

• 5 Feb 2026 · Flood Preparedness · Hansard source

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  Last week, 50 mm of intense rain fell across large parts of Somerset and exacerbated the already saturated ground, with a major incident declared on Tuesday. With more unsettled weather in the forecast and high spring tides imminent, residents have told me that they are worried they could be facing a repeat of the devastating 2013-14 floods. With the increasingly unpredictable, intense and changing patterns of rainfall, communities must be given the resources they need to prepare extreme weather resilience plans. I thank the Minister for her commitment to meet me in Somerset later this year, but will she bring forward that planned visit to Glastonbury and Somerton to witness the devastating impact that flooding is having on my communities while the floodwater levels remain up?

• 5 Feb 2026 · Business of the House · Hansard source

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  Yesterday, I hosted the Farm Safety Foundation in Parliament to launch the ninth year of its Mind Your Head Week campaign. Although there has been progress in talking about mental health in farming, we lose too many people to suicide every year. That must change. Can we have a debate in Government time on suicide prevention and mental health and wellbeing in farming and rural communities?

• 5 Feb 2026 · Sustainable Drainage Systems · Hansard source

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  It is a pleasure to serve with you in the Chair, Mrs Barker. I congratulate my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot (Martin Wrigley) on securing this debate and on his excellent and knowledgeable speech. I also point to the important intervention made by my hon. Friend the Member for Honiton and Sidmouth (Richard Foord) about developers using up-to-date datasets. In Somerset, management of water is essential. My constituency is frequently impacted by extreme weather—flooding in the winter and droughts in the summer. The low-lying land of the Somerset levels and local river catchments can become overwhelmed quickly when heavy and prolonged rain sets in, or when hit by a flash flood, as we were in May 2023. The Somerset Rivers Authority was established in 2015 as a partnership of local stakeholders, and it is now knowledgeably chaired by the Liberal Democrat councillor, Mike Stanton. Its overarching purpose is to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding across Somerset. The SRA was formed after devastating floods in 2013-14, which was the wettest winter for over 250 years. Around 150 sq km of the Somerset levels was submerged for weeks, 165 homes were flooded, 7,000 businesses affected and 81 roads closed across the area. The cost to Somerset was in the region of £147.5 million. Once again this winter my constituents are dealing with the devastating impact of flooding. Last week, Storm Chandra saw 50 mm of intense rainfall across large parts of Somerset in a really short period. It exacerbated the already saturated ground; as a result Somerset council declared a major incident last Tuesday, as 50 homes across the county fell victim to floodwater. I pay tribute to everyone who has been part of the emergency effort to support communities across Somerset. Their commitment to help in times of need is much appreciated, whether we are talking about staff members from Somerset council, the SRA, the Environment Agency, the emergency services or other partners; members of affected communities who have opened their homes to displaced residents or those at risk of displacement; people who have been out with sandbags in 4x4s; those who made hot drinks for people who were cold and wet; or, as in my case last Saturday, people sweeping up car parks as floodwaters receded. Sadly, the incident is not a one-off. Given the Environment Agency warning that river levels are expected to remain high for several weeks, unsettled weather forecasts for some time ahead and the imminence of high spring tides, the risk of further flooding in Somerset remains. With increasingly unpredictable, intense and changing patterns of rainfall, it is essential that local communities are now given the resources they need to prepare long-term, bespoke, extreme weather resilience plans. Residents must feel confident that their homes will be safe from severe damage by floodwater, and they must be better prepared to cope with flooding when it happens. Sustainable drainage systems have an important role to play, but proper measures must be in place to bring sustainable drainage provisions into force and the systems must be properly maintained. As my hon. Friend the Member for Newton Abbot argued, the Government should implement schedule 3 of the Flood and Water Management Act 2010 to require sustainable drainage systems in all new developments. Well-designed sustainable drainage systems contribute to climate change resilience, provide habitats for nature, boost biodiversity and build flood preparedness. But the current lack of clarity has contributed to widespread problems on new estates, particularly where SuDS fall under the control of private estate management companies. Homeowners are often left paying for poorly maintained systems with no public accountability. In some cases SuDS are simply left unmanaged and it is no surprise when, inevitably, they fail. If the Government are committed to building the homes that people need, they must ensure that new developments provide suitable flood mitigation measures, including SuDS, that properly manage excess rainfall. Since 2020, Somerset council has carried out over 100 formal inspections of SuDS on housing developments. While most are found to be inadequate, maintenance issues are often highlighted. In Somerton, there are examples of where that has not happened. During the 2013-14 floods, Somerton was badly hit and flooded between Farm Drive and the recreation field. Defects were found in the drainage provided by the developers, while the attenuation pond that had not been maintained appropriately overtopped. Retention tanks were later installed, but they were paid for by the taxpayer and not the developer, as they should have been. Last week, the same area experienced heavy flooding yet again. Sue and Amber, live locally in Somerton, told me they had lost three days’ worth of income due to the recent floods, because they simply could not get through the flood water. They are concerned about a planning proposal on Ricksey Lane that could make the situation much, much worse. They are not alone: many people fear that the development will create increased surface run-off, leading to flooding downstream. Those anxieties are sadly not restricted to Somerton. Residents in Street fear that the developer of a planned additional 280 homes has not taken the precautions necessary to prevent the potentially catastrophic flooding of their properties. Residents told me that their key concerns are about the proposed surface water drainage for the site, because the developer plans to discharge water into two attenuation ponds. That, along with the volume of the Portway stream, will then flow into an existing northern watercourse; however, they believe the watercourse will not be properly maintained as it falls outside the developer’s remit. Current national guidelines are designed to prevent new developments from worsening flooding downstream, but the existing drainage guidance is based on assumptions that do not always hold true in Somerset. In very flat areas like the Somerset levels and moors, water can linger for days, weeks or even months, rather than flowing quickly away. Across different sub-catchments, many factors such as soil type, infrastructure and rainfall patterns interact in complex ways that current standards simply do not address fully. That is why Somerset council is asking the Somerset Rivers Authority to fund an ambitious study of how water really behaves across Somerset’s catchment. The aim is to build a better evidence base, so that planners can update guidance, developers can design smarter drainage systems, and communities face less flood risk. I hope the study can influence the national conversation, but without action from the Government setting mandatory standards for developers, residents’ anxieties will continue to grow. Disappointingly, the Government are consulting on deleting the rule that prevents planning permission from being granted where the Environment Agency objects due to flood risk. The Liberal Democrats are clear that that must not happen and that the absolute need for new homes must be weighed against very real flood risk. The water management sector is already frustrated that the Government have yet to commit to implementing mandatory SuDS, and the recent Cunliffe review identified inconsistencies in their use as one of the four main issues with the current waste water and drainage regime. The updated standards published last June were a welcome step in the right direction, but they are not a substitute for legislation. The Liberal Democrats believe that a clear, enforceable national SuDS framework is required that standardises design, guarantees long-term adoption and maintenance, and ensures that someone is genuinely responsible when systems fail. Anything less will continue to leave residents exposed to flooding, unexpected charging and environmental harm. That is why we tabled an amendment to the Water (Special Measures) Bill that would have required water companies to provide, when consulted, honest and accurate assessments of their infrastructure’s capacity to meet the needs of proposed developments, and it was disappointing that the Government and the Conservatives did not support it. I hope the Government will review that proposal, as it is essential to ensure that water system capacity is better accounted for in future developments. Will the Minister provide an update on that? The Welsh Government have implemented schedule 3 to the Flood and Water Management Act 2010, and their post-implementation review has revealed the value and benefit of the legislation. Although improvements may still be required, it is a necessary first step, and we must follow that example. The Minister has previously confirmed that the Government are considering what action to take but are still deciding whether they will improve the planning-led system or commence schedule 3. I urge her to listen to the Liberal Democrats’ calls. She is very welcome to take forward our ideas, because the current regime has not done enough to make at-risk communities more resilient to flooding, which leaves residents frightened, anxious and desperately worried every time dark clouds roll in. In Somerset, we know what it is like to live at the forefront of climate change. The county will always be at risk of flooding, but with the right planning, investment and collaborative working, the risk and impact of flooding can be mitigated so that people feel safer in their homes. I once again extend to the Minister, and other right hon. and hon. Members, an invitation to visit my constituency and witness the terrible impact of flooding on communities. It is important to see that while the water levels remain high. I am certain that that would focus minds and give impetus, if any is needed, to the urgent implementation of schedule 3.

• 4 Feb 2026 · Postal Services: Rural Areas · Hansard source

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  In November last year, Henstridge post office closed, leaving a rural village without a vital service. Luckily, local resident Barry is working with the Post Office to reopen the facility as soon as possible. Does my hon. Friend agree that, following last year’s Green Paper, the Government must now commit to rural-proofing the Post Office?