As climate change bites, UK commits £8 billion to flood defence in ‘largest programme in history'
Britain's Labour government on Monday announced plans to invest almost £8 billion (US$11 billion) on flood defences over the next 10 years, citing growing risks posed by climate change.
The funding forms part of an infrastructure strategy this week due to outline the government's long-term plan to invest billions of pounds on delivering major infrastructure projects.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government said new funds will 'protect hundreds of thousands of homes, small businesses, and vital infrastructure from the growing threat of flooding'.
It will go towards building flood barriers and nature-based solutions such as wetland restoration.
The Climate Change Committee, an expert group that advises the government, warned in April that Britain is not properly prepared for severe floods and unprecedented heatwaves.
'This government is taking urgent action with the largest flooding programme in our country's history,' environment minister Steve Reed said in a statement on Monday.
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