7th May 2008

The Green Party has criticised the Government for failing to secure the
resources to pay for impact of climate change. Green Party Parliamentary
Candidate for Sheffield Central Bernard Little said,

Last year's flooding was part of a global trend. The Green Party have always warned that not enough money is being spent to offset the impact of climate change. The European Union's fund for natural disasters may well have been handled badly and needs looking at.

"However, the Government continues to plan for a growth in car usage, coal
burning, airport expansion, and unnecessary long distance trade without being prepared to pay the real environmental, social and economic costs. A major review of regional economic policy is needed that takes proper account of the damage it causes to the environment. At the same time we have got to ensure that flood risk management gets the funds it needs for sustainable drainage systems. English Nature, the Environment Agency and water management agencies must be given the power to stop and reverse developments that make flooding more likely."

ENDS