MP Rachel Reeves believes climate change could cause more flooding in Leeds and is urging the government to provide more funding for flood defences.
The Labour MP, who represents Leeds West, called on the government to provide extra money for Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme, that provides protection to thousands of homes and business in the city.
She says £11.2 million is needed to fund the scheme, which was drawn up after the devastating 2015 Boxing Day floods, but the government has only offered £65 million so far - despite several pleas from Leeds City Council and Labour MPs in Leeds.
The council has decided to begin work on the second phase scheme, that aims to provide protection against a 1-in-200 year flood event, and continue to lobby the government for more funding, with the help of Leeds MPs.
Ms Reeves asked chancellor Sajid Javid for extra funding during a House of Commons debate on Monday, January 20 and endorsed the government's plan to reduce carbon emissions to net zero by 2050.
She said: "Climate change means more extreme weather events. In Leeds West, we had serious floods in 2015, and yet still the Government refuse to put in the funding to build the flood defences to protect against the one in 200-year flood event that we experienced.
"When will the Government put the money into that infrastructure?”
Mr Javid responded: “That is an important point. I am aware of some of the serious flooding to which the honourable Lady has referred.
"That is why our national infrastructure plan includes much more funding — significant new funding — for flood defences."
She made the comments about climate change just one week after she urged the government to help struggling airline Flybe, claiming a collapse could be "very damaging to regional economies" as they rely on domestic flights.
The Met Office states that rainfall is increasing in many countries around the world and in some places, rainfall is becoming more intense.
The UK has seen seven of the 10 wettest years on record since 1998.
Speaking after Monday's debate, she said: "I hope the chancellor’s comments to me mean that the Government will commit to providing the funds to fully protect Leeds and my constituents from future floods.
“I am certain that if London was at risk of serious flooding the Government would not be so reticent in providing the funds. We need to see more action and less talk when it comes to the Government's much-promised commitment to the North.
“Local people have had to endure endless delays. We need this scheme in place as soon as possible. It will help play an important role in helping us combat the impact of the climate emergency."
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