STATUTORY FIRE SERVICE DUTY TO RESPOND TO MAJOR FLOODING

Early day motion 237, tabled 15 June 2016 by Baroness Hoey (Labour). Signed by 22 members.

That this House recognises the magnificent work undertaken by firefighters in rescuing people from flood incidents; acknowledges that, unlike in England and Wales, the law in Scotland and Northern Ireland requires the fire and rescue service to respond to serious flooding; believes this anomaly should now be rectified; understands that such a change would not require primary legislation; notes that this duty would assist the co-ordination and capacity to cope with further flooding, which is increasingly likely due to climate changes; and calls on the Government to implement a statutory duty for fire and rescue services to respond to serious flooding in England and Wales.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, DUP 3, Conservative 1, Green 1, Independent 1, Scottish National Party 1.