LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CALL FOR MORE RESPONSIVE ACTION ON FLOOD DEFENCE (Fiona Hall MEP)

Fiona Hall MEP <info@fionahall.org.uk>

LIBERAL DEMOCRATS CALL FOR MORE RESPONSIVE ACTION ON FLOOD DEFENCE

September 19, 2007 12:00 AM

Liberal Democrats are calling for better measures to prevent against and respond to flooding.

The proposals include additional support for areas worst hit to get key public buildings and social housing fit for purpose again as quickly as possible. The plans would also make the Environment Agency solely responsible for flood defence across the UK.

The North-East's Member of the European Parliament, Fiona Hall, has welcomed the plans after several months of pushing for a flood defence budget.

Ms Hall said:

"I am delighted at these proposals. It is about time that we all took the increased risk from flooding far more seriously.

"This summer has been one of the worst in memory, with extreme weather causing misery for millions across the European Union, including the effects of flooding here in the North-East, in Chester-le-Street and Darlington.

"The message from the European parliament is clear. The UK must be better prepared, we must share best practice and research with other EU member states and, above all, the UK must put money and research into flood defences, in the light of increasingly extreme climate events."

Liberal Democrats activists in the North-East are also taking action as a result of this summer's flooding. In Morpeth Liberal Democrats are urging the Environment agency to implement measures to protect the town from flooding more quickly.

Ms Hall said:

"After the chaos caused across much of the country this summer as a result of flooding I am at a loss to know what more it will take before this government wakes up to the need to act more quickly and decisively on the matter of flood defence. We need a co-ordinated response across the EU and we need it now

"I urge Lib Dems to support the proposals tomorrow which will go a long way to protecting people and their homes."