Angela Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow First Secretary of State and Shadow Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, commenting on the difficulty of businesses in getting insurance, said:

“Many businesses, including those most at risk from flooding, find getting affordable insurance difficult or are refused cover altogether. 

"Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and this is an issue of critical national importance, so Labour is ready to work with the Government to come up with a long-term plan which addresses the key weaknesses in our nations flood defences and preparedness, including help for businesses in accessing affordable insurance.”

Commenting on the exclusion of small businesses from the Floor Re Scheme, Angela Eagle said:

“Businesses are concerned that a scheme which provides affordable insurance currently excludes small businesses. 

"The Government should urgently consider what more can be done to ensure that the provision of insurance for businesses is accessible, affordable and keeps pace with evolving threat from climate change.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

Figures from the Federation of Small Business show that smaller businesses are struggling to get insurance:

- 75,000 smaller businesses at risk of flooding had found it difficult to find flood insurance

- 50,000 had been refused cover nationally

http://www.ft.com/cms/s/0/bfa49cb0-acbf-11e5-b955-1a1d298b6250.html#axzz3vhXsGu2g

When Labour raised this issue in 2014 the then floods Minister Dan Rogerson, responding the questions tabled by Chuka Umunna the then Shadow Business Secretary, said that it would be “inappropriate” to include small businesses in the Flood Re programme despite calls to include them.

http://m.insurancetimes.co.uk/government-holds-fast-on-flood-re-sme-exclusions/1407248.article