Today at Prime Minister’s Questions, Windsor MP Jack Rankin raised the villages of Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury in his constituency, which remain exposed to severe flooding under the River Thames Scheme as currently proposed.
Given the perilous financial situation of the Royal Borough of Windsor and Maidenhead, having recently agreed a £103 million loan from central government just to stay afloat, the Council cannot afford to fund the tens of millions required by the Environment Agency to protect these villages as part of Channel 1 of the Scheme.
Rankin referenced historic flooding in the villages and the importance of preventing this “devastation” from repeating itself in his question.
The Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, promised Rankin a meeting with the relevant Minister to further discuss flood protection in the Windsor constituency.
Jack Rankin MP’s full question is as follows:
"The floods of 2013/14 devastated Datchet, Horton and Wraysbury, and the flooding last January wasn’t much better. But shockingly, the River Thames Scheme as currently proposed continues to leave my constituents at risk.
“The council was asked to cough up tens of millions but like very many, is cash-strapped.
“Does the Prime Minister therefore agree with me that the only option to protect my constituents is funding Channel 1 of the River Thames Scheme as the national strategic infrastructure which it really is?”
Responding, the Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, said:
“I know the Honourable Member has raised this issue before, and it’s obviously an important issue for his constituents.
“We inherited flood defences in their worst state on record and that’s why we’re investing £2.6 billion, protecting over 50,000 properties.
“I understand that options to reduce flood risk in these communities are being considered as part of the Datchet to Hythe End Flood Alleviation Scheme and I’ll ensure he has a meeting with the relevant Minister to take forward the work.”
