• Luke called for a new plan for the government to address flooding
• Luke called on the Prime Minister to show greater national leadership in light of the flooding events
• Luke discussed the Climate Crisis and the increasing frequency of extreme weather in the future

On Tuesday, Luke addressed the recent flooding as a result of Storms Ciara and Dennis. He gave his condolences to the families that lost loved ones in the storms as well as thanking emergency services, the Environmental Agency, local councillors, volunteers and rescue teams.

The Climate Crisis means the United Kingdom will experience more extreme weather more often. The government must wake up to this reality and demonstrate effective leadership for future flooding. Luke was disappointed by the Prime Minister’s slow response to the recent storms and his lack of national strategy.

Luke said:

“During the general election, the Prime Minister reluctantly visited flood hit communities to win votes. He was out with his mop pushing water around shops but now that he’s got his majority, he’s nowhere to be seen.”

The government needs a new strategy to combat extreme weather and intense flooding. This includes reversing austerity cuts, giving greater funds to poor and vulnerable areas, analysing catchment management, implementing upstream water holding strategies, banning burning on peatlands, and fairly providing resources to emergency services. Furthermore, new homes should not be built on vulnerable flood plains with rising water levels.