Speaking in the House of Commons on Monday, Defra Secretary Mr Paterson expressed his sympathy for those affected by flooding in Somerset, including local residents, farmers and business owners.

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Paterson also said that over the course of COBRA meetings and liaisons with local councils it was decided that the rivers Tone and Parrett would be dredged before Prime Minister David Cameron gave the go ahead for the controversial management technique on Wednesday. Although residents' groups, local politicians and farm groups have pushed for dredging, the Environment Agency and wildlife groups have strongly objected to plans, pointing out that dredging would be ineffective and disruptive as a means of either flood management or protection in the area.

Paterson also said that a comprehensive water management strategy is being put together and that restated his support for schemes to hold water back in upper catchments of rivers prone to flooding in the long term. When greater public attention was first drawn to flooding in Somerset, Mr Paterson dismissed calls for dredging, which he said is "often not the best long-term or economic solution [and] would not have prevented the recent widespread flooding" in Somerset.

On Monday, though, in his first address to the Commons since this time last month, the Environment Secretary announced that the Levels' rivers will be dredged as soon as it is safe to do so.

Last week, Shadow Environment Secretary Maria Eagle accused both Paterson and the Prime Minister of breaking promises, after the PM had pledged to update Parliament on flooding before the end of January. Eagle said, "Owen Paterson removed flood protection from his Department's list of priorities as soon as he got the job… and has refused to listen to scientific advice on climate change. Over the past fortnight, he has overseen chaos and confusion over how to cope with these floods… over the effectiveness of dredging [and] the need for military assistance."

On Monday, she added, "After his botched badger cull and failure on flooding, it's no wonder so many people are now asking if he is up to the job."

More flooding to come

On Monday, there were two Severe Flood Warnings in place in England (both in Gloucestershire), indicating a potential danger to life, according to the Environment Agency. A woman has reportedly died after being washed out to Sea in Sussex.

Areas at risk from further flooding are mainly in the Midlands and South East regions. In his address, the Defra secretary advised those in at-risk regions to check on Environment Agency updates and recommendations.

The whole of the South of England is at an increased risk of flooding from Monday to Wednesday, as high spring tides and large waves are expected, while further rain from Tuesday onwards could lead to more river flooding.

Coastal flooding has already affected the South Coasts of Devon and Cornwall and areas of Somerset, Dorset, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are also said to be at risk. Strong winds and high waves could lead to further flooding along the whole of the south coast on Tuesday and into Wednesday.

Flood defences have been erected along the Seven over the weekend, including at Bewdley, Ironbridge and Frankwell (Shrewsbury). The Rivers Frome and Thames also have the potential to burst their banks in certain areas. In an update, EA said, "The pumping operation on the Somerset Levels continues around the clock, with up to 1.5 million tonnes of water being pumped off the Levels every day."