Flooding: Military Deployment

Debate between Lord Astor of Hever and Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville

Monday 24th March 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, the personnel allocated to assist with flooding were selected in such a way that their participation would have no impact on military units’ preparedness for future operations. That includes contingency operations should assistance be requested in the event of future flooding or other severe weather.

[Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (LD)]

My Lords, as the flood water recedes and people begin to reoccupy their homes, can the Minister say whether he anticipates that the armed services will be needed for a similar role next winter?

[Lord Astor of Hever]

My Lords, I cannot say that I am very good at forecasting the weather, but if the Armed Forces are called on I am sure that they will do as good a job as they did this year.