Government must do better to prepare for storms

Northumberland Labour says, as climate changes result in more storms and flooding, the government must do better to prepare for them and protect the people they serve.

Leader Scott Dickinson said: “We saw a woefully inadequate response with Storm Arwen, with people left without power for well over a week and national emergency having to be called before any serious action was taken.

“And with the latest storms (Dudley and Eunice) which affected most parts of the country, it’s clear that the government is just not planning thoroughly enough for these increasingly common events.

“Set this against a backdrop of government funding for flood response services being slashed since the Tories took power. The Environment Agency chair said the agency is tens of millions of pounds short of what it needs to protect at-risk communities.

“The government has a duty of care to the people it serves. Its job is to look at risks and do what’s needed to protect people.

“We want to see much more in the way of planning and swift action when people and communities are affected.

“Storms and flooding are going to become things we are going to have to learn to live with. If that’s going to be the reality then the government needs to put its money where its mouth is to protect people and property, prevent damage where possible and take swift action to protect individuals and communities.”