General Election: Liberal Democrat candidate for Newark David Watts brands Government intervention on flooding 'insulting'

The Liberal Democrat candidate for Newark has called the Government’s intervention on flooding ‘insulting’.

David Watts visited flood-affected areas across Newark over the weekend and criticised Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s approach.

He said huge areas and communities remained under water, and condemned Mr Johnson for being out of touch with ordinary people.

Robert Jenrick, Conservative candidate for Newark, said he was leading Government flood efforts and was determined to ensure people get the support they need.

However, Mr Watts condemned the Tory announcement of pledging £500 for families and up to £2,500 for small to medium-sized businesses affected by flooding.

“The flooding around Newark is really serious,” said Mr Watts.

“The £500 per family the prime minister offered was, frankly, insulting. He clearly has no idea how ordinary people live.

“If the Government actually cared about people in the north and the Midlands they would have declared a national emergency.”

Responding, Mr Jenrick said he was doing everything he could to ensure people received the support they need.

“I am chairing a daily Ministerial Recovery Taskforce, bringing together fellow members of the Cabinet and officials as well as local councils including Newark and Sherwood.”

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