UK must accept EU flood aid

4.09.00pm UTC (GMT +0000) Mon 23rd Jul 2007

Liberal Democrat MEP for London Sarah Ludford has demanded that UK Environment Secretary Hilary Benn apply for funding from the EU's Solidarity Fund to help the disaster relief effort and bring comfort to the people affected.

Sarah Ludford said:

"Flooded-out residents will be aghast and angry that the UK has spurned the offer of EU money. All Brussels is waiting for is a call from Whitehall. It is adding insult to the injury of all these distressed people for Hilary Benn to fail to lift the phone."

"The government has less than ten weeks to apply for this aid, and missing out on it would hinder efforts to rebuild our damaged towns and villages. It could be used to buy more rescue boats, restore water treatment, fund temporary accommodation or pay for home clean-ups."

"With more flood warnings being issued, and the situation as serious as it is, the government must accept EU cash. There seems no rational explanation why not."