Keir Starmer’s plan to invest £28bn annually in green initiatives is crucial for preventing the adverse effects of climate change, according to Matt Wrack, the head of the Fire Brigades Union. He emphasized the urgent need for this investment to combat the increasing frequency of floods, wildfires, and storms, which are already impacting firefighters and communities.
Wrack urged Starmer to include measures such as flood defenses and long-term carbon emission reduction strategies in the plan. He warned that failure to allocate these funds would not only endanger firefighters but also put communities at risk, especially those vulnerable to wildfires and major floods.
The Fire Brigades Union has witnessed a significant rise in flood and wildfire incidents, directly attributed to climate breakdown. In 2018, there were 65 wildfire incidents in Britain, which more than doubled to 178 three years later. Additionally, flooding incidents in England have increased by nearly a quarter in the last decade, posing a significant challenge for firefighters.
Wrack highlighted the struggle faced by firefighters in coping with extreme weather events and the resulting risks to people’s safety. He cited an example of Storm Henk, which caused heavy rains leading to flooding in about 2,000 homes earlier this year.
The government’s current allocation of just over £220m for flood defenses falls short of the required investment, according to Wrack, who called for an increase in funding through Labour’s green prosperity plan. He emphasized the fire service’s central role in emergency planning and preparation.
Despite concerns about fiscal constraints, Starmer has reaffirmed his commitment to the £28bn environmental investment policy. However, there is still uncertainty about whether the policy will be upheld until the election, raising questions about its long-term viability.
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