Defra budget cuts must not hit flood defence work, say MPs

Environment, food and rural affairs committee warns plan to raise 600m from 'external contributions' for flood defences has only brought in 250m so far

Government spending cuts must not be allowed to affect vital flood defence work, MPs warned on Tuesday.

The Commons environment, food and rural affairs committee said that with more than 5.5m properties in England and Wales at risk of flooding, it was essential that spending on defences was prioritised.