Government failing on flood defences - Campbell

1.46.59pm GMT Tue 30th Jan 2007

Menzies Campbell, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, will today visit the Thames Barrier in London to speak about the increased threat of flooding and to highlight the dangers of climate change.

Figures revealed by the Liberal Democrats show that:

· The Thames barrier was raised three times last week after the highest ever tidal rise of four metres

· There has been a sharp increase in recent years: between 1986 and 1996 the Thames Barrier was raised 27 times and between 1996 and 2006 it was raised 66 times

· Forecasts from Defra show that under current climate change predictions, the barrier will need to be raised up to 325 times a year by 2100

· Flood risk management budgets this year (2006-7) have been cut from previous plans by £14.9 million half way through the financial year.

Commenting Liberal Democrat Leader Menzies Campbell said:

"Flood defences like the Thames Barrier are a key part of our adaptation to the dangerous new world of climate change, yet the Government has cut this year's flood defence budget by £15 million compared with previous plans due to overruns elsewhere in Defra's budget.

"As the Chief Executive of the Environment Agency admitted in a leaked email, these reductions are over and above the planned efficiency programme and have been at short notice. Feasibility studies necessary for future capital projects have been delayed.

"This is just another example of disjointed and dysfunctional government policy on climate change. The Department of Communities and Local Government plans to build 106,000 homes on flood plains. Britain's Hadley Centre - a global centre of research excellence in climate change- is being cut back. The Centre for Ecology and Hydrology at Wool, Dorset that helps us understand the impact of global warming on our wildlife and plantlife is being closed. And flood defence budgets are subject to panic cuts.

"Moreover, the planned increases in flood defence spending for next year and beyond are still lagging far behind the necessary levels - £436 million compared with £750 million - according to both the Association of British Insurers and the environment select committee.

"The Blair-Brown Government have made repeated promises to tackle climate change, but carbon emissions have risen as they have run away from the challenge of tackling emissions from cars and planes.

"If the Government is serious about tackling climate change, and dealing with its effects, cutting the budgets essential to that quest is not a good idea.

Concluding Menzies Campbell said:

"Britain should lead by example.

"We cannot wait for the worst offending nations to set the pace on tackling climate change. To persuade others that action is necessary, we must take appropriate steps now.

"The day after tomorrow will simply be too late. When we say climate change is our top priority, it must be our top priority."

Applicability: this item refers to the UK.