The floods saw boats used by rescue workers in Carlisle

Carlisle MP Eric Martlew urged Mr Blair to ensure that work on the Environment Agency's new flood defences would get under way as soon as feasible.

Mr Martlew warned that thousands of people may remain homeless for months.

Extending his sympathy to those affected, Mr Blair said he would ensure the work was carried out properly.

Most hotels and B&Bs are full of flood victims and contractors working on the clean-up, and only a handful of properties are left to rent in the city following a massive surge in demand.

Mr Martlew also warned that about 260 businesses had been badly affected.

I can assure you I will take a personal interest in making sure this is done and done properly Tony Blair

Addressing Mr Blair during Prime Minister's Question Time on Wednesday, he said: "Will you give a commitment that those new flood defences will be built to a standard that would have withheld the water from the recent flood?"

Mr Blair replied: "We do understand entirely the urgency of this as well.

"I can assure you I will take a personal interest in making sure this is done and done properly."

The Environment Agency said a flood defence scheme for Carlisle was well advanced before the disaster and was now being looked at again.