Rob Marris MP and I make an unlikely pair, yet together, from our different parties and perspectives, we have kept asking the government to tackle the consequences of climate change, as we do not believe they are about to prevent it. In debate after statement on flooding, on green issues and planning, we have asked the governemnt to plan a replacement for the Thames barrier, and to come forward with programmes of work to defend settlements from overmighty rivers and the power of the waves.

As so often in the British “debate”, the political and media establishment found handling a new idea almost impossible. Whilst everyone was busy demanding an end to global jet travel and severe restrictions on the car to stop global warming, more practical proposals were ignored. Rob and I cried in the practical wilderness for some commonsense and some reality.The coverage concentrated on stories about minor adjustments to tax rates on carbon producing machines, as if that was going to keep people dry in Tewkesbury or East London. The Sunday Telegraph have done a good job today in breaking the silence and running an interview on flood control.

I was delighted to read this morning of the government’s awakening on the need for a replacement Thames Barrier, and the desirability of better flood defences elsewhere. It may have taken the inundation of Gloucestershire and many parts of Yorkshire and southern England to get them to concentrate on the problem, but at last we hear from Phil Woolas, the Minister, that plans are being drawn up.

We will now have to watch to make sure these are not just fine words. Practical proposals need to reach contractors from the drawing board in good time.

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