• Luke calls for a new strategy for flooding defences
• Luke warns the government to stop its cutting of the Environment Agency’s budget
• Luke offers plans on how to manage water sources more responsibly

On Monday, Luke spoke on Sky News about the significant flooding following Storm Ciara. He asserted it is clear that a new strategy for flooding is necessary as the country watches the aftermath of the storm. The climate emergency will produce more extreme weather with greater frequency and events like this will continue to occur.

Since 2010, the government has slashed the Environment Agency’s budget by 15% and cut Fire and Rescue budgets. In 2019, the Environment Agency claimed it would need an extra £1 billion to address flooding and further defences to protect against future events. The government must recognize this pattern and allocate funds as a result.

Labour is very supportive of a new strategy for flooding defence with respect to the climate crisis. This includes more responsible water management as well, such as adjusting agriculture practices, planting more trees in vulnerable areas, and rethinking infrastructure plans.