Speaking on the Andrew Marr show this morning Communities Secretary Eric Pickles says the government "made a mistake" and should have dredged the flood-hit Somerset Levels, he apologised "unreservedly" to those affected by the flooding.


Eric Pickles' statement following the COBRA meeting he chaired on the evening of 8 February.

    "I have chaired this evening’s emergency committee (COBRA) which will sit again, led by the Prime Minister, tomorrow. We are continuing to make sure every preparation is made before the severe weather expected overnight and into next week.

    "I ask everyone to remain vigilant, stay safe and follow the advice being issued by the Environment Agency.

    "Local authorities, the military and the emergency services have continued their sterling work on the ground. I want to reassure the public that work continues to protect homes and communities. In addition, strategic sites such as water and electrical plants are being given special attention to ensure that homes are not left without vital resources. This includes distributing extra sandbags and water pumps.

    "An additional 1,600 military personal are now on standby across the south and can be deployed rapidly if required.

    "Flood ambassadors from the Environment Agency are on the ground across the country, including the Thames Valley, to offer help and practical advice to the public about the further bad weather expected.

    "The Transport Secretary is continuing to ensure that everything is being done to review and repair connections in the south west on the rail network which has been affected again today by landslides. This includes running an 125 additional coaches, doubling the number of flights from Gatwick to Newquay, from 3 to 6 a day, and the introduction of larger planes.

    "I want to once again pay tribute to everyone who has rallied to support those who need help and reassure the public that everything possible is being done to protect people’s homes and livelihoods.


NFU response

Peter Kendall says that the Government and the Environment Agency must learn the lessons of these devastating floods. We have been here before and recently, in 2007 and 2012. Climate change scientists predict precisely this type of event becoming more frequent in future decades.

“Because of this we need more resilient, better managed flood defences with the capacity to protect life, property and farmland from excessive flooding. We must use all the tools available to us and make dredging a priority.

How some farmers are coping

Watch the ITV report showing James Winslade and a team of neighbours and colleagues saving his 550 cattle from the floodwater. See it here


How you can help

Have you got fodder or space to house stock?

Contact the NFU South West office with specific details and your contact info:

Email: south.west@nfu.org.uk
Tweet: @NFUsouthwest

You can drop off forage for flood-hit farmers at Sedgemoor Livestock Market, off J24 of the M5, postcode TA6 6DF. Call 01278 410278 to arrange a delivery time.

Farmers in need of fodder, or who have forage to offer, can also check the NFU Fodder Bank here.

If you are a haulier or you want to offer fodder or hay to flooded farmers in the South West, drop @Wheat_Daddy a tweet

Live Flood Warning map

The live flood warning map shows the locations where Flood Alerts, Flood Warnings or Severe Flood Warnings are in force. The Environment Agency issues flood warnings when we expect flooding to occur. The map is updated with information from our flood warning systems every 15 minutes. Click here to access map.

Meanwhile the Grocer is reporting that the floods could have a long term impact on livestock. Click here to read more