Environment Secretary Hilary Benn visits Cumbria following severe flooding

Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has spent the day in Cumbria today, following the severe flooding that has occurred in the last 24 hours.

Hilary Benn said:

"I have spent the day in Cockermouth where the devastating impact of the flooding is clear. My thoughts are with all those who have been affected, and with the family of PC Bill Barker in particular. The emergency services are getting help and support to those affected as quickly as possible and there are people working round the clock to do this. I want to pay tribute to the emergency services and all the other organisations who have been doing an outstanding job.

"The flooding in Cumbria is a result of an extreme weather event. None of us can stop huge amounts of rain falling from the sky but we can make sure we are as prepared as possible which is why we have invested millions in flood defences and protection over the years. Our new Flood Forecasting Centre also means that we are better able to predict events like this and get warnings to people at the earliest possible stage. However I am determined that we learn any lessons from what has happened this week.

"I would urge everyone in the area to make sure you are taking all sensible precautions, heed the warnings of the emergency services, listen to local radio for updates and, most of all, keep safe."

Posted Friday November 20^th 2009
By Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs