Cleanup has begun in Cornwall following flooding in the region on 16 November

The coalition government is under fire for cutting flood defence spending following flash flooding in the Cornwall region, reports The Guardian.

The government announced in October that it will reduce funding from the current level of £2.15bn over three years to £2bn over four years.

Exeter MP Ben Bradshaw asked David Cameron during prime minister's questions: "Doesn't the devastation in Cornwall illustrate the false economy of your recent decision to slash investment in flood defences?"

A multimillion-pound cleanup operation has begun in the devastated towns of Lostwithiel, St Blazey and the fishing port of Mevagissey.

Nick Starling, director of general insurance and health at the ABI, issued advice to the flood-affected regions to devise a plan of action with their home insurer.

He said: “Unwelcome events like this highlight why insurance is so important. Insurers know how traumatic and disruptive flooding can be. Their first priority will be to ensure that every claim is dealt with as quickly as possible, and they will be doing everything possible to help their customers recover.”

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