Sinn Féin’s Chris Hazzard MP has said the failure of the British Secretary of State to engage with local businesses in Downpatrick is illustrative of a Tory government attempting to “walk away” from responsibility to deliver a flood relief scheme.

The South Down MP was speaking in Downpatrick after a meeting with the British Secretary of State Chris Heaton-Harris to discuss the urgency of the situation on the ground.

Chris Hazzard said: 

“It is clear the British Government is attempting to walk away from the responsibility to deliver a flood relief scheme that adequately meets the needs of those who have been affected by last week’s flooding. 

“It is hugely frustrating that one week on from the flooding in Downpatrick we still have no clarity; no detail; and not a single penny of emergency support from the British Government. 

“Instead the British Secretary of State is attempting to repackage money from already stretched local government departments in an effort to disguise the fact the British Government is not making any new money available to respond to this emergency. 

“This is completely unacceptable. The British Government must listen to the concerns of those affected; they need a significant funding package, and they need it urgently.”

Chris Hazzard added: 

“I’m also hugely disappointed that the British Secretary of State added insult to injury this evening by evading the opportunity to meet with local business owners who had gathered outside to speak with him. 

“His failure to listen was a cruel blow to those who have suffered so greatly this past week.”