More futuristic flood defences are appearing across England as the Environment Agency tries to deal with the increasing threat of flood risk in the UK.

The Welsh Government has said it will learn lessons from this summer’s flood events and is increasing its investment in flood defences by a further £10 million.

News that the energy regulator Ofgem is warning of increased risk of power shortages by 2015 unless energy generation capacity is strengthened has highlighted the need for public debate about what the UK’s top infrastructure investment priorities should be – and where flood defences fit in.

One of the UK’s leading professional engineering organisations is warning that the UK will continue to face the consequences of severe flooding until action is taken – including funding provision.

The Environment Agency has warned householders and emergency responders across England and Wales to prepare for an increased risk of flooding over the next two days.

Four times as many households and businesses in England could be at risk of flooding in the next twenty years if further steps are not taken to prepare for climate change, says a new report published today by the Government’s advisers on climate change adaptation.