Government response

Eric Pickles' update following 6 March COBR meeting

Eric Pickles' update on the latest situation on the UK floods and recovery.

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Communities Secretary Eric Pickles said:

This evening I chaired the final meeting of the government’s emergency committee (COBR).

While the weather forecast is improving, groundwater flooding remains an issue in parts of the south and all agencies are working together to take preparatory action and further protect property and critical infrastructure.

Insurance companies are working successfully with those in need, and repairs and payments are moving forward without delay.

Work is continuing round the clock to get the transport network back to full operation, and across the country local authorities are adopting a number of schemes to open up roads as quickly as possible.

I want to thank everyone involved for their continued work as we move into this phase of long-term recovery.

I would also like to emphasise that we are doing everything we can to get those still flooded back into their homes and businesses as quickly as possible.

Should conditions deteriorate I would like to reassure the public that the committee will reconvene immediately to respond to any new threat.

Published 7 March 2014