Gordon has written to the Prime Minister calling on him to apply for vital EU funding in wake of the widespread flooding to hit communities across Lancashire and the North West.

Gordon along with his Labour colleagues in the European Parliament have urged David Cameron to apply for the EU Solidarity Fund, which in the past has given more than £40 million to countries in similar circumstances.

In his letter to Mr Cameron, he said: “For the last month storms, heavy rainfall and the resulting flooding have devastated homes and businesses across the North West of England; severe flood warnings continue and action is still required in many areas.

“Communities across Lancashire, Cumbria, Greater Manchester and Merseyside in the North West are being hugely affected by the flooding and need additional resources to rebuild their lives, infrastructure and clean up.”

Gordon said the UK Government should do the same as countries like Italy, Romania and Bulgaria, all have whom have applied for EU Solidarity funding in the wake of flooding.

He added: “Members of the European Parliament for the North West wrote to you after flooding in early December and following the Boxing Day floods asking the UK Government to make an application to the EU Solidarity Fund.

“As a Member of Parliament for the North West I ask that you make use of the resources available to support those who have been affected by the storms.”