Broads debate secured

Widespread anxiety over the future of the Broads will finally be discussed on the national stage next week when the Government will be urged to come clean about its flooding plans for the Norfolk coast.

Widespread anxiety over the future of the Broads will finally be discussed on the national stage next week when the Government will be urged to come clean about its flooding plans for the Norfolk coast.

Mid Norfolk MP Keith Simpson has secured a lengthy parliamentary debate next Tuesday to discuss controversial Natural England proposals which could see parts of the Broads sacrificed to the sea.

The debate will give Norfolk's politicians their first chance to publicly grill a government minister and challenge the administration to comment on their true intentions for swathes of Norfolk at greatest risk from climate change and rising sea levels.

Since a Natural England bombshell proposal to potentially surrender six northern Broads villages and 25 square miles of land to the sea was revealed, thousands of people have attended public meetings, written letters, expressed their anger and singed a parliamentary petition organised by North Norfolk MP Norman Lamb. Those speaking out against the proposal have included Britain's top soldier, Gen Sir Richard Dannatt.

Tuesday's 90 minute debate will allow the pressure on the government to be stepped up a gear.

Mr Simpson will open proceedings at Westminster Hall but is looking forward to hearing the views of other Norfolk MPs during the session, as well as being given the opportunity to “hold to account” a Defra minister.

The debate will start at 9.30am on Tuesday and can be viewed online at www.parliamentlive.tv.