Humber MPs met with the Environment Agency this week to discuss progress on the Humber Flood Strategy. The meeting follows a similar meeting with Flood Minister, Rory Stewart MP, in January where the local MPs pushed the case for a 10 year funding settlement for the Humber.
Over £80 million has been committed by the Government to flood defence projects along the Humber and tributary rivers between now and 2020 to support this strategy. In total £350 million is being spent in East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire during this period on flood and drainage schemes.
The Environment Agency updated the MPs on progress on these schemes and discussed how the strategy can move forward, particularly given the recent announcement of an addition £700 million for flood defences in this Parliament. Humber MPs are working together to ensure that the Humber Strategy properly reflects the needs and priorities of the area.
Andrew Percy MP explains, "No constituency in our area is at greater risk of flooding than Brigg and Goole which is why I have always prioritised fighting for improved flood defences. We have been successful in seeing many improvements locally but the focus remains getting a decade long funding commitment to improvements along the Humber, Ouse, Aire and Trent.
Local MPs are working closely together to ensure that maximum pressure is applied to get such a commitment and to ensure that this strategy delivers for the public. The Humber Strategy is presently being updated to reflect recent flooding events and we should have a better idea next year of what it will propose for defences in our area.
The Humber is of strategic importance to the UK and contains some nationally important assets. As such we must be properly defended and that is what we are working towards. I am also clear that whether people live in our big towns and cities, or our smaller villages, we expect a proper level of protection and that is what we are all working towards."
