Coastal communities deserve support following coastal projections

Speaking in the House of Commons today the MP for West Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Constituency of St. Ives, Andrew George, urged the Environment Secretary, the Rt. Hon. Hilary Benn MP, to give lower lying coastal communities clearer advice on whether their homes and businesses would be protected from rising sea levels over the coming century.? ?Mr George represents a number of lower lying settlements on the Isles of Scilly and at parts of Long Rock, Penzance, Hayle and other areas in his constituency. The Secretary of State’s statement today on UK Climate Projections predicted that there would be significant sea level changes of about 36 centimetres in many areas over the next 70 years. Mr George asked Mr Benn if the Environment Agency’s soon to be published “Shoreline Management Plans” would offer clear guidance on coastal protection and to help communities resist further development near the present water line.