The European Parliament debates flood management

11.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Tue 24th Apr 2007

The European Parliament will today have the second reading of a proposed directive aimed at reducing the economic and environmental impact of floods in the EU. Flood management is a big issue for many in the UK, and particularly in thew West Midlands, whilst not in an area susceptible to flooding I have a keen interest in flood management and will be looking at this debate closely.

40 amendments were adopted at 2nd reading in the Environment Committee, including a broadening of the definitions of flood risk management with this to cover flood plains as well as coastal areas. Other amendments tighten up the criteria for drawing up flood risk maps, including showing installations that might cause accidental environmental pollution as a consequence of flooding.

The only UK MEP that spoke in the first reading was Wales Plaid Cymru MEP Jill Evans, I find this rather surprising, hopefully more will join in the debate today. The vote will take place tomorrow.