Cameron warns that flooding victims are in for a “long haul” as weather warnings continue

David Cameron has cautioned flood victims that they are in for a “long haul”, as they are faced with more warnings that the weather will worsen this week. 

Thousands of homes are in danger as the already devastating flooding is forecast to worsen this week. The prime minister forewarns that it will “take time before we get things back to normal”. 

More than 1000 individuals have already been forced to abandon their houses. With predictions of heavy rainfall showing little sign of waning, many more are expected to evacuate their homes. 

Mr Cameron assures that he will “do everything” in his power to support residents, despite increasing complaints regarding the Government’s response to the crisis. 

“We’re in for a long haul, but the Government will do everything we can to coordinate the nation’s resources…If money needs to be spent, it will be spent; if resources are required, we will provide them; if the military can help, they will be there. We must do everything, but it’s going to take time to put these things right,” said Mr Cameron. 

The Government is not as unified as these assurances might infer, as members of the cabinet have disagreed over the Environment Agency’s response to the extreme flooding. 

Recently, the environment secretary released comments about the “blame game” being played within the Government. This followed a series of attacks on the agency’s chairman, Lord Smith. 

The bickering has angered David Cameron who, when asked if he had a message for his cabinet, said: “A very simple message, which is everybody needs to get on with the vital work of bringing all of the nation’s resources to get our road and rail moving, to help people who have been flooded, to plan for the future and to learn all the lessons of the very difficult situation we’re in. That’s what everyone needs to do, that’s what’s going to happen in the days and weeks ahead.” 

His comments follow defence secretary Philip Hammond’s embarrassment after being harangued by an annoyed volunteer on live television. The volunteer protested that victims of flooding had been deserted. Mr Hammond was cornered into insisting that the Government does in fact have a “grip” on the urgent situation. 

Bethany Bishop