TheEnvironment latestSecretary updatesholds onmeeting with Environment Agency to bolster Storm Bert response

Secretary of State Steve Reed held a meeting with Environment Agency Chief Executive Philip Duffy this morning to discuss the response to the flooding and ongoing plans to protect communities.

During the meeting, the Secretary of State was briefed on the latest situation on the ground, and the 24/7 response being led by the Environment Agency and the emergency services.  He also sought reassurance on the actions being taken to further protect communities in the coming days with river levels expected to rise in some places. Together they also discussed how to bolster the response from the Environment Agency, emergency services and local authorities if required. 

This meeting comes after Storm Bert has caused significant river and surface water flooding in parts of England onover Sunday,the weekend, especially in the South West, the West Midlands, and the Calder and Weaver Valleys in the North of England.England.  

AroundAs 80of properties11am haveon soMonday far25th areNovember, confirmedthere tois have1 beensevere floodedflood inwarning, England.137 Soflood far,warnings theand 172 flood alerts in place. The Environment Agency estimates 23,00023,400 properties have been protected. protected, with heavy rain leading to around 100 properties being flooded. 

AcrossWhilst Storm Bert subsides, people should remain vigilant as the countryforecast Environmentshows Agencythe officersoverall flood risk for England continues to be medium for today, with ongoing river flooding expected. 

The Government is working at pace to step up further preparations for this winter. They are outinvesting checking£2.4 floodbillion defences,until clearingMarch debris2026 to improve flood resilience and erectingbetter temporaryprotect barriers.communities Minoracross impactsthe country. 

Lessons learned from these floods are possiblebeing morefed widelydirectly acrossinto the England,new whichFloods mayResilience continueTaskforce to inspeed placesup untilthe Tuesday.development of flood defences and bolster the nation’s resilience to extreme weather.  

Flooding

The Taskforce brings together the Secretary of State and Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:with representatives from Defra, MHCLG, Home Office, Cabinet Office, the Environment Agency, the Met Office, Local Resilience Forums, Mayoral Offices, emergency responders and the National Farmers Union, among others. 

Secretary of State for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs, Steve Reed said:  

 “IThis morning I held a meeting with the Environment Agency and am receiving regular updates on the response to flooding in parts of the country. country.  

“MyMy sympathies are with all of those who have been impacted by Storm Bert.Bert. 

“II wouldwant like to thankexpress my heartfelt thanks for the outstanding work that the Environment Agency and emergency responders forare theirdoing tireless work to protectkeep communities. people safe. 

“I

I urge people to check their flood risk, sign up for flood warnings and follow the latest guidance from emergency responders.”responders.

AndrewKatharine Hitchings,Smith, Flood Duty Manager at the Environment Agency, said:said: 

“EnvironmentSignificant river flooding impacts are expected in parts of the Midlands and South West England today as rivers respond to heavy rainfall following Storm Bert. Localised flooding impacts are also possible more widely across England, which may continue in places until Wednesday due to further heavy rain.  

Environment Agency teams are out on the ground, taking action to reduce the impact of flooding and will support local authorities in their response.response. 

“WeWe adviseurge people to stay away from swollen rivers and urge people not to drive through floodthrough flood water as just 30cm of flowing water is enough to move your car.car. 

“People

People should check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation at by searching ‘check my flood risk’, and follow @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood updates.updates. 

Further

Across information:

We continue to monitor forecasts and impacts on water levels across the country. We urge the public to check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and to consider the weather before travelling. 

People can check their flood risk, sign up for free flood warnings and keep up to date with the latest situation ,situation, and follow @EnvAgency on X for the latest flood updates.