Has Climate change begun?

Britain’s worst floods for a generation are both a calamity for the families and communities affected, and a warning for us all

From Hull to Herefordshire thousands of people have seen their homes and possessions ruined. In Hull alone, 1 in 5 houses and 90 out of 105 schools have been damaged.

The Government could and should have been better prepared.

While it’s fine that the Prime Minister is promising millions of pounds in support now, it’s deeply ironic that last summer Gordon Brown was cutting flood defence budgets by £14 million.

What staggers me more is that they are so surprised. Didn’t they read the predictions about climate change?

Gordon Brown himself commissioned a report from Sir Nicholas Stern which last year warned that Britain might have to double or even quadruple its spending on flood defences.

There are some basic lessons. First, we have to stop building so many houses in the flood plain. This may have happened in the past – but then climate change was unproven.

Even in places like Kingston we need to be more careful where homes are built, so land that acts as a soak away for heavy rainfall isn’t all concreted over.

Second, the Environment Agency should look at the dangers of surface water flooding not just coastal or river flooding.

In places like Kingston, most homes could only experience flooding if the drains and sewage systems cannot cope. Such risks need assessing, so water utilities can be required to take the necessary action to prevent them.

Climate change is here. We need to act now.