Britain faces severe flooding
The United Kingdom has been subject to heavy rainfall, particularly in the South West of the country where people are facing severe weather conditions.
Shadow Environment Secretary Mary Creagh has
attacked the Government for their failure to offer "any direct help" to those people flooded in the north of the country a fortnight a go.
Caroline Spelman, the Environment Secretary, said the Government "would be generous" in the assistance offered to flood-hit regions, and hinted at increases in the amount of central aid available.
Ms Spelman also paid tribute to the "excellent job" that the emergency services and the Environment Agency have been doing to help flood victims, and said new measures would enable "at least another 145,000" homes to be protected against flooding by 2015.
In England and Wales the Met Office has issued 75 flood warnings and 142 flood alerts, while in Scotland 13 flood warnings have been issued. The Environment Agency has warned that lives are in danger across the South West of England as a result of the severe dangers caused by flooding.
The weather has caused havoc too at Silverstone for today’s Formula One Grand Prix qualifying sessions where officials have turned away more than 30,000 spectators travelling by car due to waterlogged car parks.