Do not think twice about calling in military, says PM
DAVID Cameron has urged flood-hit communities not to think twice about calling on the armed forces for help as severe weather warnings remain in place across the south east. Water levels are set to rise further today as heavy rain falls on saturated ground.
The Prime Minister said he wants local council leaders to make full use of military forces, thousands of whom are on standby and ready to help build defences and evacuate residents.
In addition to his pledge to issue a blank cheque for flood repairs, the PM announced more help for those without insurance, promising to “top-up” council hardship funds if they ran out of money.
A £10m fund for farmers to get back on their feet, grants for homeowners and businesses and a tax-deferral scheme were also announced as Cameron promised he would lead the effort to tackle the flooding.
In what appeared to be a direct response to criticism of how the government has handled the recent bad weather, the Prime Minister cancelled a planned trip to Israel and warned of the long road ahead as weather worsens this week.
“If money needs to be spent, it will be spent; if resources are required, we will provide them; if the military can help, they will be there. We must do everything, but it’s going to take time to put these things right,” Cameron said. His comments come as the Association of British Insurers (ABI) and the Confederation of British Industry met in Downing Street yesterday to discuss plans to support businesses that have been affected by floods.
The PM called on the insurance industry to pay claims quickly, warning: “we’ll go after these insurance companies and make them pay up.”
An ABI spokesman emphatically denied that the industry has been dragging its feet. “Many homes are still underwater,” he added, “we can’t get into them to evaluate the damage.”
The Royal Bank of Scotland has also pledged help for affected customers, offering a three-month mortgage holiday and a £250m storm business fund.