Sunak’s a washout
Starmer slams PM’s response to floods as homes are devastated
KEIR Starmer yesterday slammed Rishi Sunak’s response to last week’s flooding, as households and businesses continued to count the cost of the damage.
The Labour leader toured streets still being cleared up after the deluges and met locals devastated by them.
Mr Starmer laid into No10 as weather experts warned more flooding was on the way due to rising river levels.
He revealed Labour would set up a flood resilience task force to make sure preventative measures were in place before heavy winter rains.
Mr Starmer said: “The response wasn’t quick enough.
“I just don’t think it’s good enough for the Government to come after the event again and express empathy.
“Get ahead of this with a taskforce. That’s what I would do.
“Of course it needs money but the taskforce is not just about money. It’s about getting the basics done. Getting those drains cleared. Getting local authorities together. Having a plan.”
Mr Starmer spoke after meeting Ian Clement in Loughborough, Leics, whose home was flooded during Storm Henk last week.
More than 2,000 properties have been swamped across the country. And the Environment Agency warned significant floods are expected until tomorrow on parts of the lower River Trent and along the Thames and Severn.
Experts said the impact of flooding in the East Midlands “will be felt for many months”.
Minor groundwater flooding is also expected in parts of Wiltshire, Hampshire and Dorset and may hit other parts of the South as well as Yorkshire.
There were 169 flood warnings in place yesterday and 159 flood alerts.
Residents in the Trent Valley were advised to prepare for evacuation.
Shadow Environment Secretary Steve Reed said money allocated for flood defences has yet to be spent in some areas. Environment Minister Robbie Moore said the Government had invested £6billion to protect 600,000 properties better since 2010.
Sleet and snow showers have been forecast for many parts of the country. The Met Office issued yellow weather warnings for ice.
London and the South East are among the areas expected to be hit, with temperatures plunging to 0C.
The Met Office said: “Given these wintry showers, and also wet surfaces after recent wet weather, some icy patches are likely on untreated surfaces.
“A few of the snow showers could turn quite heavy.”
Detling in Kent was hit by snow yesterday as was the Killhope Mining Museum in Co Durham. Temperatures dipped to minus 8C at Altnaharra in the Scottish Highlands.
It wasn’t quick enough. I don’t think it’s good enough to express empathy later
KEIR STARMER ON RISHI SUNAK’S RESPONSE TO STORM FLOODS