Labour MEPs call for EU support for Cumbria flood victims - 2009-11-26

Leader of the Labour MEPs, Glenis Willmott, will deliver a joint letter to the Prime Minister tomorrow, to support calls for European action on the floods in Cumbria that work together with the money already promised by the UK government. 

In a speech to the European Parliament plenary session Strasbourg yesterday she linked the flooding in Cumbria to a call for action on climate change.  

She said "we have seen the impact of adverse weather in Cumbria, in the North West of England, which has experienced severe flooding.  

"It's not just in Europe where the weather is creating unexpected hardship. Adverse weather is causing unforeseen human tragedy across our planet. Denial is the easy option.

"The Labour government in the UK wants a deal that is ambitious and effective and fair to support the poorest countries to adapt their emissions and adapt to climate change," she said.

Earlier this week, Brian Simpson and Arlene McCarthy, Labour MEPs for the North West Region, jointly announced   that they are looking into getting EU funds for flood relief - and they will be taking up the issue jointly with 10 Downing Street.

"This is an awful situation, make no mistake. In human terms, it is tragic," said Brian Simpson.

"Arlene and I will do all that we can to ensure that Cumbria  gets EU help over and above the million pounds promised by Gordon Brown.  

"Cumbria needs EU investment, similar to that gained other regions hit by floods over recent years as there's now much work to be done reconstructing, and rebuilding peoples' homes and businesses," he said.

Arlene McCarthy said "Labour Euro MPs are working together to secure extra funding for Cumbria to help deal with the devastation caused by the floods. That is where our priorities lie, with the people of Cumbria."

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