TREASURY HAS U-TURNED ON FLOOD DEFENCE CUTS - HUHNE

12.00.00am UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 2nd Jul 2007

Commenting on the increase in flood defence spending to £800 million in 2010-11 announced this afternoon by Hilary Benn, Liberal Democrat Shadow Environment Secretary, Chris Huhne MP said:

"Gordon Brown has become the sinner that repenteth, and none too soon.

"This is a crucial and welcome U-turn by the Treasury which was pressing for real cuts in flood defences as recently as two weeks ago, and insisted on £15 million of flood defence cuts last year.

"This increase needs to start now - not in three years time - and it must address the problem of sudden rainstorms overwhelming drains. We are preparing for coastal and river flooding, but not properly for the flooding caused by extreme rainfall that will become far more frequent with climate change."