City MP Stephen Morgan has backed plans to better protect thousands of Portsmouth homes through the Labour Government’s investment in flood schemes in the city.
The Government has announced a record £2.65 billion two-year investment to protect communities including Portsmouth from flooding.
The investment will go towards the construction of new flood schemes and the repair and maintenance of existing ones, the government has published today the full list of projects supported over the next year.
In Portsmouth South, the Southsea Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management scheme will receive £7.3 million investment.
The North Portsea Island Coastal Flood and Erosion Risk Management Scheme will also receive £13.8 million and protect 1,081 homes.
As the frequency of extreme weather events continues to increase due to climate change, there are more and more devastating impacts for communities across the country, costing the UK economy billions each year.
This investment is part of the Government’s Plan for Change, delivering security for working people and renewal for our country. It will boost economic growth in local communities, by protecting businesses, delivering new jobs, and supporting a stable economy in the face of the increasing risk of flooding as a result of climate change
Commenting, Portsmouth South MP Stephen Morgan said
“As climate change brings more extreme weather to our city, it is more vital than ever that communities like ours are protected from the devastating impacts of flooding.
“I’ve supported the vital Southsea Coastal Defence programme since the start and all efforts to protect Portsmouth from flooding, working with local people and businesses to ensure their views are heard.
“I’m pleased to have played my part in ensuring lives, homes and businesses are better protected from the dangers of flooding thanks to this investment from the Labour government.”
Last month, Mr Morgan welcomed Environment Secretary Steve Reed to Portsmouth to discuss the city’s sea defence scheme.
Commenting, Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said:
“I was pleased to discuss the latest progress on the Portsmouth coastal defence scheme with Stephen – something which he has been a tireless champion for since it was first announced, ensuring the views of local residents and businesses are heard.
“Investment in these flood defence schemes is absolutely vital with the frequency of extreme weather events only continuing to rise.
“That’s why we have announced we will be investing £2.65 billion to build and maintain flood defences in communities across the country to protect lives, homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding.”
Floods Minister Emma Hardy said:
“The role of Government is to protect its citizens. However, we inherited flood defences in their worst condition on record.
“Through our Plan for Change, this government will deliver a decade of national renewal and economic growth. As part of that we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and repair over 1,000 flood defences across the country.”
The Government has prioritised £140 million to ensure that 29 schemes, which are in progress but struggling with cost pressures, can be delivered without further delays, protecting nearby communities as soon as possible.
