Boris Johnson’s slow response to the UK’s rising floodwaters is a dangerous mistake

Editorial: A government’s first duty is to ensure the security of its citizens. When the Met Office is issuing danger to life warnings, that duty could not be more pressing

Boris Johnson has been urged to shore up flooding defences after the winter crisis that left villages like Fishlake under water (PA)

Those living in the wide swathes of England now affected by flooding are not, for the moment, much interested in whether their plight is part of the climate emergency. They first need emergency assistance in their own homes, and the immediate attention of government.

They are not receiving it. Even with an election campaign just a few weeks ago, Boris Johnson was slow to react to the first phase of the extreme rains – and now the prime minister has been slow to do so again. The Prince of Wales has done his bit, but ministers are apparently otherwise occupied.

A meeting of the Cobra committee should have been called days ago, notwithstanding the Christmas break. A government’s first duty is to ensure the security of its citizens, and when the Met Office is issuing danger to life warnings, that duty could not be more pressing.