The worst problem affecting the Shrewsbury and Atcham constituency is the flooding of the River Severn. It destroys homes and businesses, causing misery and bringing the local economy to a halt. I am currently working closely with the River Severn Partnership on plans to manage the river holistically, and bring a stop to the devastating flooding seen in recent years.
The River Severn Partnership comprises of several organisations, including the Environment Agency, Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Councils; other councils that are situated along the length of the River Severn; Severn Trent Water, Natural Resources Wales and the Severn Rivers Trust. I helped secure £50 million in July 2020 to support the development of a business case. The Partnership now has the business case ready and to deliver the ambitious plans it will require an additional £500 million in government funding. I have been in discussions with the Prime Minister and the Chancellor of the Exchequer, and in December 2023 I welcomed Robbie Moore, Minister for Flooding, to Shrewsbury and we met with representatives from Shropshire Council and the Environment Agency to continue dialogue.