STATUTORY FIRE SERVICE DUTY TO RESPOND TO MAJOR FLOODING

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.