YORK Central MP Rachael Maskell has used the Labour party conference to call for better flood protection for communities like York.

Ms Maskell, who is also the shadow Defra secretary, used her keynote speech in Liverpool on Sunday to set out policies she said would ensure protection from future flooding.

Ms Maskell said York had been “devastated” when Storm Eva struck nine months ago, with many residents and businesses still recovering.

She criticised the Government’s slow response, and promised that Labour would take a “whole river catchment” approach to planning flood defences and tackle climate change, adding that “farmers, residents and businesses deserve better”.

Ms Maskell also said that under Labour, the Fire and Rescue Service would have a statutory duty to deal with flooding.

Ms Maskell also spoke about rural Britain, and the health benefits of getting out into the countryside and connecting urban and rural Britain.

She said: “Not only do we want to see city farms, environment centres and schemes like Edible York in my constituency where communities grow veg on street corners together, but ensure everyone can access the countryside.

“That’s why Labour Governments created our National Parks and the ‘right to roam’. With Labour, schools will take children out to get to know the wonders of rural life; and through social prescribing, we’ll use the environment to help improve people’s health.”

Ms Maskell also pledged a Labour Government would develop renewable energy sources and clean transport, plant millions of trees and tackle emissions and the “invisible smog” in British cities which kills thousands of people.