MP Sarah Dyke has welcomed the Government's Flooding Minister to Somerset for a day of visits to flood‑affected communities.

The trip by Emma Hardy MP came after Ms Dyke repeatedly called for a ministerial visit while floodwater still remains across large parts of the county. The pair visited key sites including the River Parrett in Langport and a flooded farm near Muchelney, where Ms Hardy toured submerged land by tractor with local farmer Michael Curtis.

Ms Dyke, who is Liberal Democrat spokesperson for Rural Affairs, said seeing conditions at first hand was vital for ministers to understand the scale of disruption caused by extreme weather events.

She said: "After my repeated requests in Parliament, the Minister's visit today is appreciated and a step in the right direction. It was crucial for me to show her the devastation flooding is causing people in Somerset, and the stark reality for communities as they face unprecedented weather events with increasing frequency."

Ms Dyke criticised the Government's approach to flood funding and maintenance, arguing that cuts to main river maintenance and real‑terms reductions in the national flooding budget risk leaving communities more exposed in future. She called for urgent investment in flood preparedness, prevention and nature‑based solutions, which she says offer cost‑effective protection for homes, businesses and infrastructure.

Earlier in the day, Ms Dyke and the minister viewed the Parrett pumping station in Langport and later met representatives from the Internal Drainage Board to discuss ongoing work.

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