EMBARGO: IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Storm Babet: PM must call COBRA meeting to prevent delays in recovery efforts 

The Liberal Democrats have called on the Prime Minister to convene an emergency COBRA meeting, including representatives from devolved administrations, to support flood-stricken areas following Storm Babet.

It comes as four people died over the weekend and an estimated 1,250 homes were damaged from flooding.

As of Monday, 108 flood warnings are still in place and the Environment Agency has warned of further ‘widespread flooding’ in the coming days following a weekend of strong winds and heavy rain from Storm Babet.

To prevent hindering recovery efforts, the Party wants to see the Government set out an immediate response plan for the areas affected to ensure a robust and speedy response.

Wendy Chamberlain, Liberal Democrat MP for North East Fife which saw disruption from Storm Babet over the weekend, said:

"Thousands of lives have been changed this weekend as a result of Storm Babet. Homes have been destroyed and lives have been lost, yet this Government has still not taken action. 

"Rishi Sunak must call a COBRA meeting immediately. Any delay could have a devastating impact on those already displaced and whose lives have been turned upside down following this storm.

"The Government cannot delay any further, a robust recovery plan needs to be put in place immediately to ensure those affected can begin rebuilding their lives."

ENDS

Notes to Editor:

In 2020, the Guardian reported that Boris Johnson’s 'refusal' to call a COBRA meeting hampered recovery efforts following Storms Ciara and Dennis.