With over five million people and two million homes and businesses at risk from flooding in England and Wales, UK Green MEP Jean Lambert has welcomed the forthcoming second reading of the EU Floods Directive in the European Parliament as she co-hosted an Environment Agency Flood Risk reception in Brussels today.
As London’s Green MEP Jean Lambert has been extremely concerned about developments in the Thames Gateway area that will see the destruction of much of the Capital’s flood plane and, speaking after the reception, said; “With extreme weather conditions increasing around the UK combined with the growing numbers of buildings on many of our green spaces, water simply has no where to go and the chances of devastating floods are ever more likely.
“Climate Change is an increasing threat that has caused serious floods across Europe claiming the lives of over 700 people and causing 25 billion euros in damages since 1998. Although we can not completely prevent flooding, with better planning and preparations we can limit the damage and may be able to stop flooding in some areas.”
The new Floods Directive, covering rivers, the sea, rising groundwater and surface water, will require Member States to carry out flood risk assessment; designate areas as liable to significant flooding; prepare flood risk maps and implement flood management plans. The Environment Agency was in the EU Parliament today to highlight the work they are already doing on this in the UK demonstrating good practise.
ENDS
For more information please contact:Morwenna Holland, Media Officertel: 020 7407 6280 or 07813149812 email: media@jeanlambertmep.org.uk www.jeanlambertmep.org.uk
Notes to editors: Jean Lambert: In October 2005 Jean was named MEP 2005 for Justice and Human Rights. Jean was first elected Green Party Member of the European Parliament for London in the 1999 European elections. She was re-elected in 2004. She is one of nine MEPs representing London and one of two UK Green representatives in the European Parliament.