Maria Eagle MP, Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary, responding to reports that Environment Agency redundancy plans have been put on hold, said:

“It will be welcome news to flood-stricken communities that David Cameron has finally accepted Ed Miliband’s call to protect hundreds of frontline flooding staff at the Environment Agency, those that are currently helping to put in vital flood defences and with the clean-up.

“Families facing the distress of flooding need to know from the Government whether they are going to receive all the help available, including the important work from the frontline flooding staff at the Environment Agency.

“The Labour Party will ensure that David Cameron keeps his promise and reconsiders these redundancies at the Environment Agency.”