SDLP Hits Out At British Govt Over £50m Flood Fund

The SDLP has slammed the British Government after it allocated a £50 million flood fund to help people affected by Storm Desmond in England, however it failed to provide funds to help people in Northern Ireland.

Finance Spokesperson and Armagh MLA Dominic Bradley has called on the Chancellor to direct the appropriate monies to help NI people who have been similarly affected by the storms.

He said: "The north is entitled to compensation when money is spent by the British Government with no benefit to people here, relief for flood victims is only one such example. Thousands of people here, many in my own constituency, remain affected by the floods over the weekend and require help.


"This is not the first instance of the British Government failing to give us our fair share. During the Talks, the SDLP strongly argued for Barnett Consquentials in relation to the HS2 investment, which would total £1.3bn, and in relation to the monies being directed to the £5bn package set aside for the Northern Powerhouse infrastructure investment. This funding would see the A5 and A6 built, as well as allow for investment in our railway system.

"We have a situation where there is more money for flood victims in England and more money for English infrastructure – where is the money that ought to come to the north for those same projects?"

(CD)