Truss pledges ‘all resources’ to aid flood recovery

Defra secretary Liz Truss has pledged to ensure “all resources are made available” to aid recovery from widespread flooding in the north of England.

Ms Truss made the pledge as she delivered a statement to the House of Commons on Monday (7 December).

Storm Desmond, which hit Britain for 48 hours from Friday (4 December), had brought some “enormously difficult and extreme weather conditions,” she said.

See also: More rain forecast after floods devastate farms

“I would like to begin by expressing my deepest sympathy for those who have been affected in all parts of the UK,” Ms Truss told MPs.

“I would also like to commend the emergency responders, volunteers and the Environment Agency who have been working tirelessly throughout the weekend, often in horrific conditions.”

Logistics were one of the biggest problems in Cumbria and Lancashire, said the NFU. Many roads were impassable and bridges deemed unsafe to cross, it warned.

“Problems will persist even as flood waters disperse as debris such as rocks and gravel have been dispersed on to farmland and highways.”

The NFU said it was still trying to build up a picture of the effect on its members.

“What we do know is that a high number of livestock are likely to have been killed, especially in the county of Cumbria.”

 Ms Truss told MPs the government’s emergency Cobra committee would continue to meet daily to oversee the recovery efforts.

“The government will continue to ensure all resources are made available to support recovery from this flooding,” she said.

Have you been affected by the floods? Upload your pictures to our online gallery or contact the news desk at philip.case@rbi.co.uk