10th December 2007 - Welcoming Solidarity Fund flood cash

Yorkshire Euro-MP Linda McAvan has welcomed today's announcement from the European Commission that the UK will receive more than £100 million (€162 million) to help with the cost of recovering from this summer's devastating floods.

Ms McAvan had lobbied the Commission to support those affected by flooding through the European Union Solidarity Fund back in June.

Today's statement from the Commission states that the money will "help to offset the financial costs of cleaning up, putting basic infrastructure back in working order, and taking other emergency measures".

The Commission also states that the bill for "direct damage" caused by the flooding is the third highest in the EU since the Fund was established in 2002.

Linda McAvan says;

"This money from the European Solidarity Fund cannot come a moment too soon to help the country meet the cost of the devastation caused by this summer's flooding. With so many people across our region still suffering the consequences of the extreme weather, the solidarity of other EU countries through this payment to support the recovery effort is to be welcomed."