Floods Minister visits Somerset to see impact of severe weather
Emma Hardy met Environment Agency officers, who briefed her on current flood operations
Floods Minister Emma Hardy visited Langport in Somerset today to see the effects of flooding on the community following one of the wettest starts to the year on record.
The Somerset Levels has been severely impacted, and the Environment Agency has installed vast high-volume pumps in Northmoor and Saltmoor to manage water levels, protecting homes by moving vast amounts of water away from affected areas.
Emma Hardy met Environment Agency officers in Somerset, who briefed her on current flood operations, as well as hearing how teams were supporting local residents.
Officers have been clearing vegetation from waterways, removing river obstructions, and erecting temporary barriers.
Emma Hardy said:
“I’ve heard from communities here in Somerset who have been deeply affected by the impacts the recent heavy rainfall, and I know how devastating flooding can be.
“Environment Agency officers have been working around the clock across the country, but especially in Somerset, and I thank them for their efforts during this testing time.
"In Somerset, we have already invested £75 million and are continuing to boost flood defences in the area - including building the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier to protect 12,800 homes and businesses."
Julie Foley, Director of Flood Risk Strategy at the Environment Agency said:
“We are continuing to see significant rainfall in the southwest and other parts of the UK, and so our teams are taking every step they can to protect people, homes and businesses.
“We are operating emergency pumps and flood storage areas to minimise the risk of further flooding, and many thousands of homes and businesses have been protected. But this is little comfort to those who have been flooded, and we will continue to do all we can to help communities affected.
“It’s crucial that the public heed warnings from local responders, sign up for flood warnings and make sure they do not to drive through flood water.”
DEFRA say for the year up to June 2025, more than 24,000 homes and businesses were better protected from floods as 151 new schemes were delivered by the government.
The government has pledged a record £10.5 billion towards safeguarding 900,000 properties nationwide by 2036, which is anticipated to create thousands of jobs and prevent billions in economic losses.
Part of this initiative is the construction of the £249m Bridgwater Tidal Barrier in Somerset, aimed at protecting an additional 12,800 homes and businesses.