John Stevenson MP for Carlisle has written to Liz Truss MP, Secretary of State for DEFRA.
In the letter he commended the Secretary of State for setting up a national review of the damage to infrastructure.
‘I was further pleased to hear that you have set up a national review of the damage to infrastructure. I think this is particularly important with regards to roads and electricity sub-stations. Indeed, we were very fortunate in Carlisle that the sub-station was not flooded even though it was on a floodplain. This was down to the magnificent efforts of the emergency services.’
He continued by noting that the inclusion of local individuals on the newly created Flood Protection Group was important.
He finished the letter by requesting that any investigation on the suitability of the flood defences would be open and transparent.
‘However, given the fact that £45 million pounds has been spent on flood defences and the unexpected nature of the events in Cumbria, will you confirm that there will be an open and transparent investigation into recent events to examine the reasons why the flood defences were insufficient. It is fundamental that we understand what went right and what went wrong with regards to the defences.’
John will notify the media when he receives a response regarding the request for an investigation to be set up.