UK weather: Scientists say Government's obsession with deregulation and cost-cutting responsible for

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Source: Independent.UK

Somerset flooding

Scientists rounded on the Government on Monday over its “kneejerk” handling of the flooding emergency following stinging criticism by Eric Pickles of the Environment Agency’s performance.

Water specialists condemned ministers for aggravating the crisis by cutting spending on environmental work and warned that dredging overflowing rivers in the Somerset Levels, which is now advocated by the Government, would make little difference to the problem.

The comments by Mr Pickles, the Communities Secretary, also provoked a Cabinet rift with Owen Paterson, the Environment Secretary, who complained to Downing Street over his Tory colleague’s “grandstanding”.

He protested after Mr Pickles attacked the Agency for providing poor advice on dredging and making clear he believed its chairman, Lord Smith, should resign.

Read more: http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/politics/uk-weather-scientists-say-governments-obsession-with-deregulation-and-costcutting-responsible-for-somerset-flooding-9120104.html

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Mr. Pickles.

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1. British names can be so humorous. nt

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2. I do approve of Mr. Pickles though. nt

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3. I say: Grockles go home (back to London, Birmingham...)!

Let Sedgemoor revert to nature, and to the locals.

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4. Yes, and it's a good thing when scientists speak out too. nt