This meeting took place on 30 January 2014. Read the transcript here.
With London and the South East once again placed on alert for bad weather, heavy rain and violent storms this week, it is timely that the London Assembly Environment Committee examines the flood risk in the capital.
How long will the Thames Barrier be fit for purpose? How can we slow the rush of rainwater off London’s streets and roofs? Could our drains overflow? Will the sea level rises owing to global warming cause a tidal surge large enough to flow over the Thames Barrier?
These and more questions will be put to;
- Howard Davidson, South East Regional Director, Environment Agency
- Alex Nickson, Manager, Climate Change Adaptation & Water team, GLA
- Hamish Cameron, London Resilience Manager, GLA
- Paul Cobbings, Chief Executive, National Flood Forum
- Nishma Malde, interim Head of Transport and Environment Policy, London Councils
The Assembly first highlighted concerns about the sustainability of the capital’s flood defences in 2002 [1] and again in 2005 [2] and again in 2011 [3].
The meeting will take place on Thursday 30th January from 3pm in the Chamber at City Hall (The Queen’s Walk, London SE1 2AA). Media and members of the public are invited to attend. The meeting can also be viewed via webcast.
Ends
Notes to editors:
- Flooding in London Report 2002
- London under threat? Flooding risk in the Thames Gateway 2005
- For a Rainy Day 2011
- Murad Qureshi AM, Chair of the Environment Committee, is available for interview.
- As well as investigating issues that matter to Londoners, the London Assembly acts as a check and a balance on the Mayor.