10th anniversary of Boxing Day floods
Tabled 18 December 2025 by Rachael Maskell
That this House recognises the 10th anniversary of the 2015 Boxing Day floods and the devastation caused by Storm Desmond and Storm Eva; recalls the 453 residential and 174 commercial properties that flooded in York alongside the failure of the Foss Barrier causing personal trauma to those effected and significant damage to personal property and homes; is so grateful for the incredible support of the public with the practical clear up following this tragic period; notes the engagement and investment from the Environment Agency which allowed the rebuilding of the flood defences in York, the raising of the barriers across the city and the rebuilding of the Foss Barrier which increased capacity and pace at which the River Foss can be drained where it enters the River Ouse; acknowledges there is still work needed on flood literacy, flood prevention and flood resilience as found in York’s Flood Inquiry, and that there are still 7200 properties in York at risk if extreme flooding occurs; further notes that recent flooding and increased adverse weather events compound these risks; also notes that riverside businesses continue to pay the price of flooding; and calls on Government to focus on upstream water management including slowing run off and flow by planting and natural management, to develop a living with water approach to water management and to extend the support of Flood:Re.