Harriett Baldwin has praised the Environment Agency’s efforts to improve local flood defences. The MP welcomed flood defence progress during an opposition debate on protection of the environment in the House of Commons this week (Wednesday October 26). Harriett celebrated works carried out across her constituency following a series of serious floods across the last decade. Speaking in the debate, she said: “ I represent a flood-hit constituency in the Severn valley. We had serious floods in 1998, 2000 and 2007. “Since May 2010, Pershore, Powick, Uckinghall, Kempsey and two schemes in Upton-upon-Severn have been started or completed, compared to the record under the previous Government, where we got one scheme in 13 years.” Harriett has also had discussions with the Minister over the provision of home insurance to local homes in the area affected by floods. Environment Minister Richard Benyon responded to a question raised by Harriett that the department have been meeting with insurance providers and community groups to discuss flood risk management. He confirmed that the Government will be making a final decision early next year on how best to ensure that insurance is readily available to flood-prone homes. Harriett added: “There have been a number of very successful flood defence schemes completed in West Worcestershire. “Now that we have made such clear progress, my main flood defence campaign will be for Tenbury Wells, although I still am trying to resolve problems for residents in Sedgeberrow, Bransford and Little Beckford as well. “We still need to urgently look at easing the threat for these residents and businesses. “I will continue to fight to help each and every home and business in my constituency which dreads heavy rain.” FULL TEXT Harriett Baldwin (West Worcestershire) (Con): I represent a flood-hit constituency in the Severn valley. We had serious floods in 1998, 2000 and 2007. Since May 2010, Pershore, Powick, Uckinghall, Kempsey and two schemes in Upton-upon-Severn have been started or completed, compared to the record under the hon. Lady’s Government, where we got one scheme in 13 years. | Hansard