THE GOVERNMENT has announced £3m funding for a review of Leeds flood defences after pressure from the area's MPs.

In a Parliamentary debate this week DEFRA Minister Rory Stewart said the Government would invest £2.3 billion in flood defences nationally over the next six years.

And he confirmed that money would be made available for the Leeds feasibility study. He made his announcement in an adjournment debate called by Rachel Reeves, the Labour MP for Leeds West, who was calling for improved defences and the £3m review.

During the debate Leeds North West MP Greg Mulholland described the decision made by Ministers in 2011 to cut flood defences in Leeds as "a flawed decision" and "an utterly false economy."

Mr Mulholland has previously called on DEFRA to admit that scrapping the Leeds Flood Alleviation Scheme was a mistake.

He also tabled a parliamentary motion calling for an urgent review of flood defences in Leeds city region and across Yorkshire.

Speaking after the debate Mr Mulholland said: "I welcome the Minister’s statement that the Government will invest in Leeds flood defences over the next six years, and look forward to working with them on this.

"I’m pleased we had the opportunity to debate the issue in Westminster Hall, giving Leeds MPs and Ministers the chance to discuss the issue.

"Ministers must now meet with MPs along the Wharfe to ensure their constituencies also receive support for flood defences.

"It is vital that Leeds North West is part of this investment, to better protect and prepare our area from flooding in the future after the false economy of scrapping Leeds Floods Alleviation Scheme."

After the meeting Pudsey, Horsforth and Aireborough MP Stuart Andrew tweeted: "Great response from minister and delighted he's committed the funds for the study."

Mr Andrew had earlier met with Chancellor, George Osborne, to discuss the Leeds flood scheme. Mr Andrew, who was joined at the meeting by Morley and Outwood MP Andrea Jenkyns, highlighted the threat to houses and businesses from flooding and potential impact on the city's economy.

After the meeting he said he was pleased that the chancellor had agreed to look personally at the issue in detail.

Mr Andrew has also met with fellow Leeds MPs and the Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Elizabeth Truss to discuss flood defences.

He said: "We must make sure we get it right. We cannot afford for a major economic driver in Yorkshire to be at risk and for these poor people to go through such things again."