The government should apply to the European Union for crisis funds in the wake of the recent floods which have left thousands homeless, according to the Conservative Party.

Timothy Kirkhope, Conservative leader in the European parliament and MEP for flood-affected Yorkshire, has suggested that the government should apply to the EU Solidarity Fund in a bid to secure cash to pay for the damage.

Mr Kirkhope said: "The government has no excuse not to act now. With further rain still predicted I again call on the government to contact the Regional Policy Commissioner to assist the UK with the fund available to help EU countries deal with disasters such as we have seen across England over the past few weeks."

The MEP previously wrote to regional policy commissioner Danuta Hubner to request financial assistance from the Solidarity Fund one month ago, but an application can only officially be made by the government, which must be completed within ten weeks of the first damage being caused.

According to the Association of British Insurers, flood-related insurance claims are set to top £2 billion.