Prince Charles’ visit to Fishlake must be followed by political action on flooding

Prince Charles’ visit to Fishlake must be followed by political action on flooding - The Yorkshire Post says

After the visit of Prince Charles to the flood-ravaged village of Fishlake in South Yorkshire brought some Christmas cheer to residents following a miserable few weeks for them, politicians must seize the opportunity in the new year to better protect and support communities in the North, and across the country, from such situations.

The Prince of Wales meets emergency service personnel during a visit to Fishlake, in South Yorkshire, which was hit by floods earlier this year. Picture: Nigel Roddis/PA Wire

Leaders from Northern areas, led by Sheffield City Region mayor Dan Jarvis, have called for increased investment in flood defences and the establishment of a new emergency response unit. It has been suggested such a body could be made up of local and national government agencies and chaired by a Cabinet Minister in an attempt to prevent a repeat of the Government’s slow response to the South Yorkshire floods.

Couple face Christmas Day in their car after losing home to South Yorkshire floods

This is by no means an issue restricted to the North – further floods hit the south of England over the weekend, affecting dozens of properties in the South East, Devon and Cornwall, while there are warnings in place for much of the country in the coming days.

The Prince of Wales speaks to local residents during a visit to Fishlake, in South Yorkshire, which was hit by floods earlier this year. Picture: Nigel Roddis/PA Wire

Flood-hit communities rally around after devastation

After an election campaign focused from almost all parties on the neglect of too many regions of this country combined with the effects of one of the wettest autumns since records began, there has never been a clearer case for effective action.

With a new majority Government and arguments over Brexit less likely to dominate the political agenda over the next few months, there can be no excuses for Boris Johnson’s new administration to take the steps that prevent other cities, towns and villages suffering in the same way that Fishlake has done.