This morning’s news leads with reports of multiple flood warnings after prolonged heavy rain in the North West and the Army’s support to flood defence work yesterday.
FLOODING
News bulletins lead with the threat of flooding in Cumbria and other parts of the North West, with the BBC and Sky reporting that more than 100 flood alerts have been issued across Britain and that troops from 2 LANCS had worked, and are expected to work again today, on flood defences. Broadcast outlets this morning are suggesting that the military could deploy to Lancashire today.
Defence Secretary Michael Fallon said yesterday:
Even at Christmas our Armed Forces are keeping us safe. Once again they are responding to the Cumbrian floods with a commitment that can only be applauded.
The Times, and other outlets carry comments made by Major Nick Higgins of 2nd Battalion, Duke of Lancaster’s Regiment, deployed on Christmas day. He told Sky News yesterday: “The people of Appleby and the surrounding area we have been operating in have been massively affected by these storms and it’s important that we are here to help them.”
Reports, including in The Telegraph, also say the Government's emergency Cobra committee met yesterday and that Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Elizabeth Truss had said the government was making £60 million available to help families and communities rebuild their lives. "Our priority continues to be protecting lives, protecting homes and protecting businesses,” she said in a statement following the meeting.
On BBC Radio 4 Today Programme Floods Minister Rory Stewart MP said that the authorities were working exhaustively to put the maximum measures in place, and defended the Government’s investment in flood defences over the past decade.
Read more about the Army’s support in Appleby, Braithwaite and Warwick Bridge yesterday.
SYRIA AIRSTRIKE
The BBC is among several outlets to report that the head and several leaders of one of Syria's most powerful rebel groups, Jaysh al-Islam, have been killed in an air strike east of Damascus. According to reports, founder Zahroun Alloush, 44, was among those killed when rockets hit a meeting place, rebels and the Syrian army are reported to have said.
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