Speeches by Hinchliff.

“We also have an updated understanding of the impact of noise pollution, for example. It comes in at a much lower level than was previously thought. As I said, my constituents are already feeling those impacts. I just want to get a clear answer. Given everything you have just described, you are confident that airport ca…”

“I would be particularly interested to know whether, in the process of making decisions, the WHO recommendations will be considered. My final question is around the evidence that we have received that highlights that the current ANPS fails to provide targets on air quality and noise pollution, particularly in relation t…”

“I wholeheartedly agree and have heard exactly the same thing from students in my constituency. Each and every one of the children in our country deserves a safe, healthy and stable home that is genuinely affordable and does not leave families struggling to make ends meet month after month. If we give the next generatio…”

“We understand on this side of the House that the wealth of our country does not lie in the bank accounts of casino capitalists or the title deeds of billionaires. It lies in nature, with each chalk stream and ancient woodland a national inheritance to be cherished; it lies in the bonds of community that held strong eve…”

“The Government have taken long-overdue steps to secure rooftop solar on new builds, but there is even greater untapped potential on existing commercial and domestic rooftops. Will Ministers consider introducing a scheme, similar to those in other countries, offering free installation of rooftop solar for businesses and…”

“Do you have anything to add on timelines or processes that DEFRA are currently looking at for that?”

“I have a final question, following up on evidence that we heard from Mr Duffy in the previous session. What plans does DEFRA have on funding the replacement of major assets, like the Thames Barrier, which will reach the end of their life this century? We have heard about the need for decisions on options by 2040.”

“Without wanting to guess the outcome of the consultation, it sounds like you would expect that potentially to have a qualitatively different level of outcome for natural flood defences, significantly changing the number of them.”

“We have had submissions to this inquiry that competitive bidding processes may disadvantage smaller local authorities and community-led projects. What steps are the Government taking to ensure long-term, stable funding that maximises benefits for all areas?”

“Do you have anything to add on timelines or processes that DEFRA are currently looking at for that?”

“Thank you, Minister. That is a pretty unequivocal answer. It is clear to see your confidence. Can I pick you up on some phrases you used there, though? I am interested to know how you respond to analysis by Flooded People UK that, in its view, average annual investment has been cut because the previous capital programm…”

“We have had submissions to this inquiry that competitive bidding processes may disadvantage smaller local authorities and community-led projects. What steps are the Government taking to ensure long-term, stable funding that maximises benefits for all areas?”

“Do you have any further response to that analysis from Flooded People UK?”

“Moving on, of the £2.6 billion pledged for flood defences in 2026, £25 million was allocated specifically to natural flood management. Could you outline to the Committee what steps you might be planning to take to secure a better balance in the future between traditional capital defences and adaptive nature-based solut…”

“I have a final question, following up on evidence that we heard from Mr Duffy in the previous session. What plans does DEFRA have on funding the replacement of major assets, like the Thames Barrier, which will reach the end of their life this century? We have heard about the need for decisions on options by 2040.”

“Minister, as you will know, the National Infrastructure Commission recommended a minimum of £1.5 billion per year to manage flood risk effectively. The Government have committed £7.9 billion over 10 years to flood resilience. Given the disparity in the figures, how confident are the Government that this level of fundin…”

“Moving on, of the £2.6 billion pledged for flood defences in 2026, £25 million was allocated specifically to natural flood management. Could you outline to the Committee what steps you might be planning to take to secure a better balance in the future between traditional capital defences and adaptive nature-based solut…”

“Without wanting to guess the outcome of the consultation, it sounds like you would expect that potentially to have a qualitatively different level of outcome for natural flood defences, significantly changing the number of them.”

“Minister, as you will know, the National Infrastructure Commission recommended a minimum of £1.5 billion per year to manage flood risk effectively. The Government have committed £7.9 billion over 10 years to flood resilience. Given the disparity in the figures, how confident are the Government that this level of fundin…”

“Thank you, Minister. That is a pretty unequivocal answer. It is clear to see your confidence. Can I pick you up on some phrases you used there, though? I am interested to know how you respond to analysis by Flooded People UK that, in its view, average annual investment has been cut because the previous capital programm…”