Labour vows farm protection from flooding (Image: Getty)

       Labour has pledged to protect farms from flooding as heavy rainfall puts Britain’s produce at risk.

       Farmers' yields have collapsed leaving consumers across the country facing acute shortages of potatoes, sprouts, carrots, parsnips, broccoli and cauliflower following intense flooding in recent months.

       Storm Gerrit caused intense flooding in several parts of the country over the final weekend of 2023.

       Labour’s Shadow Environment Secretary Steve Reed, said: “My heart goes out to farmers whose livelihoods have been damaged by extreme floods.

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       “The Conservatives’ sticking-plaster approach has left farmers unprotected and people missing out on their favourite veg.”

       Labour has pledged to establish a Flood Resilience Taskforce that will meet every winter ahead of the peak season for flooding.

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       The COBRA-style task force will coordinate flooding preparation between central government, local authorities, local communities, and emergency services.

       Mr Reed said: “Labour will establish a Flood Resilience Taskforce to protect farms from the risks of flooding and make sure we can guarantee supplies of everyone’s favourite veg.”

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