Defra announces funding to improve flooding defences in 'worst condition' on record

Flooding Secretary Emma Hardy has criticised the previous Conservative Government for failing to protect rural and farming communities from flooding

Chris Brayford
clock • 4 min read
Flooding Secretary Emma Hardy said: "Flooding can take a devastating toll on farmers and rural communities. The role of Government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record."
Image:

Flooding Secretary Emma Hardy said: "Flooding can take a devastating toll on farmers and rural communities. The role of Government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record."

More than 1,000 flood schemes will be built or repaired across England to protect homes, farms and businesses from the dangers of flooding. Floods Secretary Emma Hardy announced on Monday (March 31)...

To continue reading...

Already a member? Login for full access.

Login

New to Farmers Guardian? Register for 1 free article per week or become a member for unlimited access to essential farming news and insights.

article-img-580x358
Register for free Join Now

 

More on Politics

Letters: "Together, we have helped protect the future of many family farms"
Politics

Letters: "Together, we have helped protect the future of many family farms"

This week from Farmers Guardian readers: Tom Bradshaw, NFU president, discusses the successful campaign to change proposed Inheritance Tax rules affecting family farms

Tom Bradshaw
clock 13 January 2026 • 1 min read
Parliament to debate 1 million-strong petition demanding an early general election
Politics

Parliament to debate 1 million-strong petition demanding an early general election

Berwickshire, Roxburgh and Selkirk MP John Lamont said one of the reasons why Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing pressure to call an early general election is because of the Government's treatment of farmers and the countryside with Inheritance Tax changes

Chris Brayford
Chris Brayford
clock 12 January 2026 • 2 min read
Farmland at risk from rapid solar expansion due to 'inconsistencies' in Environmental Impact Assessments
Politics

Farmland at risk from rapid solar expansion due to 'inconsistencies' in Environmental Impact Assessments

The Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP) says there needs to be a balance between tackling energy security and the climate crisis, our need for food security and preserving biodiversity and natural habitats

Alex Black
Alex Black
clock 12 January 2026 • 3 min read