[Barrie Yates]

Another year, another series of catastrophic floods. Naturally the politicians in the areas affected are calling for more defences, rethink on defences, more Government money and greater effort by the insurance companies to speed up insurance payouts.
I agree with all of them irrespective of which party they represent, but not one of them from national to local level of politics has suggested a cut in the Overseas Aid Budget and the money being funnelled into restoring a decent quality of life, not only at this time of the year but at all times whenever these situations arise.
Why give money to a nation that has a space programme, why give money at all? Far better if aid is given in material things that are manufactured in UK, or contracts to UK company and employees to carry out major works - yes, use local labour but that would be paid to workers, not corrupt politicians.
There has also been a suggestion that the EU Regulations prevent the dredging that is necessary, but how true that is I don't know.