MK North’s Labour MP, Chris Curtis, has welcomed a record package of investment to build new flood defences and maintain and repair those already in place.
This comes after the current Labour Government inherited flood assets in their poorest condition on record, as years of underinvestment and damaging storms left thousands of Environment Agency assets below the required condition.
The impact of national underinvestment has been felt across Milton Keynes, with areas such as Newport Pagnell and Stony Stratford facing repeated floods over the past few years. After recent floods in Newport Pagnell, Chris praised the work of the town’s volunteer Flood Action Group in the House of Commons.
As well as protecting families from the devastation of flooding, the new Government investment supports economic growth by protecting businesses, supporting jobs, and supporting a stable economy in the face of the increasing risk of flooding as a result of climate change. It will also protect farmland which has been badly hit by recent storms, in turn helping to safeguard farm businesses and farmers’ profits.
Chris Curtis, MP for Milton Keynes North said: “Since becoming MP last July I’ve met regularly with residents impacted by flooding, as well as the Environment Agency and local councillors. It is clear that the impacts of years of underinvestment have been devastating, and I’m grateful that after repeated calls for further investment, Labour is tackling the situation head on.”
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said: “The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods. The role of any Government is to protect its citizens. Under our Plan for Change, we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and maintain flood defences to protect lives, homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding.”
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