Bedfordshire flooding: Evacuation centres set up - BBC News

Evacuation centres have been set up to help those affected by flooding along a river, Bedfordshire Fire Service has said.

People in 1,300 homes by the River Great Ouse were advised to move out and a "severe" flood warning is in place.

The fire service said it had "crews on the ground trying to divert water" - but the volume of water made the situation "very, very difficult".

Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson said water levels peaked at 02:00 GMT in the town.

In a tweet, he said he had received confirmation that the levels were now "receding".

South Beds News Agency

Warnings for people to leave their homes remain in place.

Some residents spent Christmas night building trenches in a bid to hold off the flood water.

South Beds News Agency

Gary Huntley, Franco Felice and Adrian Coleman armed themselves with shovels to dig a trench between two trees along the banks of the River Ouse.

As the night wore on, they said they were joined between 30 and 40 other residents from Tennyson Road and The Embankment. who helped with the digging and provided hot drinks.

Mr Huntley, 51, a boot camp coach, said: "We just had Christmas Dinner when Franco, my next door neighbour, said we were going to get flooded."We went down and had a look at the situation. I said we needed to get shovels and dig a trench between the two trees."We worked until three, had a break and came back out again at six. Fortunately, the level has dropped this morning."

South Beds News Agency

The emergency assistance centres are at Bedford International Athletic Stadium and Bromham Village Hall.

• More than 1,300 told to evacuate as floods hit

"We are advising people in the affected areas to evacuate, and three evacuation centres, or rest centres, have been been set up," said Paul Fuller, chief fire officer for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue.

"People have had a terrible time. We've had all the measures in place to protect people from the spread of the virus.

"It was Christmas Day yesterday, Boxing Day today, our hearts just go out to people that have now - with all that going on - had some of the highest levels of floods for over 20 years

"It's just a dreadful situation."

South Beds News Agency

Bedfordshire Police, meanwhile, warned of a "really serious situation".

"River levels are extremely high and we are expecting this to have a significant impact," Supt Steve Ashdown said.

"This is a really serious situation and we need people to take action in order to keep themselves safe."

Bedford Borough Council

At Bromham, near Bedford, the river was reported to be flowing at its highest recorded level.

Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson said the floods were set to be the worst seen in Bedfordshire for several years.

"The Environment Agency is expecting this to be the highest level of flooding seen in Bedford borough in a number of years and, working with partners, we are strongly encouraging people who are at risk of flooding and have been contacted to leave if they can do so safely," he said.

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue

The council said people who had been contacted and asked to evacuate were "permitted to go to other people's homes".

Bedfordshire is currently under "tier four - stay at home" Covid restrictions, which bans household mixing.

Bedfordshire Police said the flooding situation "over-rides the current Covid-19 regulations".

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Have you been affected by the flooding in Bedfordshire? If it is safe to do so please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

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2020-12-26 11:05:00Z
52781268039805

Brexit: Boris Johnson bids to woo potential Tory rebels ahead of vote as trade deal published - Sky News

Boris Johnson has appealed to hardline Eurosceptic Tory MPs to back his post-Brexit trade agreement in next week's 11th-hour vote.

The prime minister admitted "the devil is in the detail" of the more than 1,000-page treaty due to come into force from 1 January, but insisted it is "the right deal for the UK and the EU".

He is expected to win comfortably when MPs are recalled from their Christmas break next Wednesday to ratify the text, which was published today by both sides.

Image: MPs vote on the deal on Wednesday

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to support it and is expected to whip his MPs to do the same, thus almost guaranteeing it will pass.

But there are some on Mr Johnson's side who wish the UK were exiting the transition period without a deal, meaning trade with Brussels would revert to baseline World Trade Organisation rules.

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How do Brexiteers feel about the trade deal?

In a bid to quash any potential rebellion, he claimed the breakthrough in negotiations on Christmas Eve was a victory and that the deal "delivered on every one of our manifesto commitments".

"I believe we now have a basis for long term friendship and partnership with the Eu as sovereign equals," the prime minister wrote in a WhatsApp message to MPs seen by Sky News.

More from Brexit

"I know the devil is in the detail but I am sure this can survive the most ruthless and Talmudic scrutiny from the star chamber legal eagles."

The so-called "star chamber" is a panel of lawyers assembled by the European Research Group, including veteran Brexiteer Sir Bill Cash, and is likely to meet tomorrow.

Some MPs are waiting on his judgement before deciding how to vote, with one telling Sky News on Thursday that they "need to study the small print before committing" and are still "waiting to hear the verdict of Sir Bill".

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Brexit deal explained: What will its impact be?

In a final appeal to his party, Mr Johnson signed off the message by telling them: "We must remember that what the public want us to do is focus above all on defeating COVID and rebuilding our economy and I am glad that at least one uncertainty is now out of the way."

He added: "P.S. On fish, we are talking hundreds of thousand of tonnes more even in the transition period! Enough fish to stretch to the South Pole and back!"

Image: The agreement was struck with just days left until the end of the transition period

Negotiations went down to the wire but ended with a breakthrough on Christmas Eve, with a Number 10 source confirming the "deal is done" at 2:45pm.

Minutes later, the news was announced officially by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who said talks had been "tough but fair" and "successful".

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'Parting is such sweet sorrow,' says von der Leyen

And later that afternoon, Mr Johnson held a Downing Street news conference to declare the agreement meant "taking back control of our laws and our destiny".

"This country will remain culturally, emotionally, historically, strategically, geologically attached to Europe," he added.

It took two further days for the full trade deal to be published. It runs to 1,246 pages and includes additional protocols on combatting fraud, assistance with customs and social security coordination.

Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said the government "must publish practical explainers as soon as possible for firms that lack the time/resources to interpret an international agreement".

And on the issue of fishing - one of the final stumbling blocks in talks and a totemic issue in the UK's fight to reclaim sovereignty - the government was accused of giving too much ground.

Barrie Deas, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, said there will be "frustration and anger" across the industry, adding: "In the end it was clear that Boris Johnson wanted an overall trade deal and was willing to sacrifice fishing."

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2020-12-26 10:32:15Z
52781259169935

Brexit: Boris Johnson bids to woo potential Tory rebels ahead of vote as trade deal published - Sky News

Boris Johnson has appealed to hardline Eurosceptic Tory MPs to back his post-Brexit trade agreement in next week's 11th-hour vote.

The prime minister admitted "the devil is in the detail" of the more than 1,000-page treaty due to come into force from 1 January, but insisted it is "the right deal for the UK and the EU".

He is expected to win comfortably when MPs are recalled from their Christmas break next Wednesday to ratify the text, which was published today by both sides.

Image: MPs vote on the deal on Wednesday

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to support it and is expected to whip his MPs to do the same, thus almost guaranteeing it will pass.

But there are some on Mr Johnson's side who wish the UK were exiting the transition period without a deal, meaning trade with Brussels would revert to baseline World Trade Organisation rules.

Advertisement

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

How do Brexiteers feel about the trade deal?

In a bid to quash any potential rebellion, he claimed the breakthrough in negotiations on Christmas Eve was a victory and that the deal "delivered on every one of our manifesto commitments".

"I believe we now have a basis for long term friendship and partnership with the Eu as sovereign equals," the prime minister wrote in a WhatsApp message to MPs seen by Sky News.

More from Brexit

"I know the devil is in the detail but I am sure this can survive the most ruthless and Talmudic scrutiny from the star chamber legal eagles."

The so-called "star chamber" is a panel of lawyers assembled by the European Research Group, including veteran Brexiteer Sir Bill Cash, and is likely to meet tomorrow.

Some MPs are waiting on his judgement before deciding how to vote, with one telling Sky News on Thursday that they "need to study the small print before committing" and are still "waiting to hear the verdict of Sir Bill".

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Brexit deal explained: What will its impact be?

In a final appeal to his party, Mr Johnson signed off the message by telling them: "We must remember that what the public want us to do is focus above all on defeating COVID and rebuilding our economy and I am glad that at least one uncertainty is now out of the way."

He added: "P.S. On fish, we are talking hundreds of thousand of tonnes more even in the transition period! Enough fish to stretch to the South Pole and back!"

Image: The agreement was struck with just days left until the end of the transition period

Negotiations went down to the wire but ended with a breakthrough on Christmas Eve, with a Number 10 source confirming the "deal is done" at 2:45pm.

Minutes later, the news was announced officially by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who said talks had been "tough but fair" and "successful".

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

'Parting is such sweet sorrow,' says von der Leyen

And later that afternoon, Mr Johnson held a Downing Street news conference to declare the agreement meant "taking back control of our laws and our destiny".

"This country will remain culturally, emotionally, historically, strategically, geologically attached to Europe," he added.

It took two further days for the full trade deal to be published. It runs to 1,246 pages and includes additional protocols on combatting fraud, assistance with customs and social security coordination.

Adam Marshall, director general of the British Chambers of Commerce, said the government "must publish practical explainers as soon as possible for firms that lack the time/resources to interpret an international agreement".

And on the issue of fishing - one of the final stumbling blocks in talks and a totemic issue in the UK's fight to reclaim sovereignty - the government was accused of giving too much ground.

Barrie Deas, chief executive of the National Federation of Fishermen's Organisations, said there will be "frustration and anger" across the industry, adding: "In the end it was clear that Boris Johnson wanted an overall trade deal and was willing to sacrifice fishing."

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2020-12-26 10:26:39Z
52781259169935

Brexit: Boris Johnson bids to woo potential Tory rebels ahead of vote as trade deal published - Sky News

Boris Johnson has appealed to hardline Eurosceptic Tory MPs to back his post-Brexit trade agreement in next week's 11th-hour vote.

The prime minister admitted "the devil is in the detail" of the more than 1,000-page treaty due to come into force from 1 January, but insisted it is "the right deal for the UK and the EU".

He is expected to win comfortably when MPs are recalled from their Christmas break next Wednesday to ratify the text, which was published today by both sides.

Image: MPs vote on the deal on Wednesday

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has pledged to support it and is expected to whip his MPs to do the same, thus almost guaranteeing it will pass.

But there are some on Mr Johnson's side who wish the UK were exiting the transition period without a deal, meaning trade with Brussels would revert to baseline World Trade Organisation rules.

Advertisement

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

How do Brexiteers feel about the trade deal?

In a bid to quash any potential rebellion, he claimed the breakthrough in negotiations on Christmas Eve was a victory and that the deal "delivered on every one of our manifesto commitments".

"I believe we now have a basis for long term friendship and partnership with the Eu as sovereign equals," the prime minister wrote in a WhatsApp message to MPs seen by Sky News.

More from Brexit

"I know the devil is in the detail but I am sure this can survive the most ruthless and Talmudic scrutiny from the star chamber legal eagles."

The so-called "star chamber" is a panel of lawyers assembled by the European Research Group, including veteran Brexiteer Sir Bill Cash, and is likely to meet tomorrow.

Some MPs are waiting on his judgement before deciding how to vote, with one telling Sky News on Thursday that they "need to study the small print before committing" and are still "waiting to hear the verdict of Sir Bill".

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Brexit deal explained: What will its impact be?

In a final appeal to his party, Mr Johnson signed off the message by telling them: "We must remember that what the public want us to do is focus above all on defeating COVID and rebuilding our economy and I am glad that at least one uncertainty is now out of the way."

He added: "P.S. On fish, we are talking hundreds of thousand of tonnes more even in the transition period! Enough fish to stretch to the South Pole and back!"

Image: The agreement was struck with just days left until the end of the transition period

Negotiations went down to the wire but ended with a breakthrough on Christmas Eve, with a Number 10 source confirming the "deal is done" at 2:45pm.

Minutes later, the news was announced officially by EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen who said talks had been "tough but fair" and "successful".

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

'Parting is such sweet sorrow,' says von der Leyen

And later that afternoon, Mr Johnson held a Downing Street news conference to declare the agreement meant "taking back control of our laws and our destiny".

"This country will remain culturally, emotionally, historically, strategically, geologically attached to Europe," he added.

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2020-12-26 10:18:45Z
52781259169935

Bedfordshire flooding: Evacuation centres set up - BBC News

Bedford Borough Council

Evacuation centres have been set up to help those affected by flooding along a river, Bedfordshire Fire Service has said.

People in 1,300 homes by the River Great Ouse were advised to move out and a "severe" flood warning is in place.

The fire service said it had "crews on the ground trying to divert water" - but the volume of water made situation "very, very difficult".

Fire crews used boats to rescue people throughout Christmas Day.

"We are advising people in the affected areas to evacuate, and three evacuation centres, or rest centres, have been been set up," said Paul Fuller, chief fire officer for Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue.

He told BBC Breakfast that people in areas of risk should "move valuables upstairs" and turn off any electrical appliances on the ground floor.

Bedford Borough Council

The emergency assistance centres are at Bedford International Athletic Stadium and Bromham Village Hall.

• More than 1,300 told to evacuate as floods hit

"People have had a terrible time," added Mr Fuller.

"We've had all the measures in place to protect people from the spread of the virus.

"It was Christmas Day yesterday, Boxing Day today, our hearts just go out to people that have now - with all that going on - had some of the highest levels of floods for over 20 years

"It's just a dreadful situation."

Bedfordshire Police, meanwhile, warned of a "really serious situation".

"River levels are extremely high and we are expecting this to have a significant impact," Supt Steve Ashdown said.

"This is a really serious situation and we need people to take action in order to keep themselves safe."

Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue

At Bromham, near Bedford, the river was reported to be flowing at its highest recorded level.

Bedford Mayor Dave Hodgson said the floods were set to be the worst seen in Bedfordshire for several years.

"The Environment Agency is expecting this to be the highest level of flooding seen in Bedford borough in a number of years and, working with partners, we are strongly encouraging people who are at risk of flooding and have been contacted to leave if they can do so safely," he said.

• 'Widespread flooding' causes several road closures
• Homes evacuated and leisure centre shut by floods
• Flood-stricken couple saved in 'Christmas miracle'

The council said people who had been contacted and asked to evacuate were "permitted to go to other people's homes".

Bedfordshire is currently under "tier four - stay at home" Covid restrictions, which bans household mixing.

Bedfordshire Police said the flooding situation "over-rides the current Covid-19 regulations".

Find BBC News: East of England on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. If you have a story suggestion email eastofenglandnews@bbc.co.uk

Have you been affected by the flooding in Bedfordshire? If it is safe to do so please share your experiences by emailing haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk.

Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:

• WhatsApp: +44 7756 165803
• Tweet: @BBC_HaveYourSay
• Please read our terms & conditions and privacy policy

If you are reading this page and can't see the form you will need to visit the mobile version of the BBC website to submit your question or comment or you can email us at HaveYourSay@bbc.co.uk. Please include your name, age and location with any submission.

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2020-12-26 09:02:00Z
52781268565263

'Lives at risk' severe flood warning in Bedfordshire as storm Bella threatens more disruption - Sky News

Severe flood warnings, meaning lives are at risk, have been issued on Boxing Day for the Bedford area and three other places.

The Environment Agency said there had been heavy rain across the Great Ouse catchment and more was expected, bringing "significant disruption to the community" and also possibly affecting electricity services.

Also covered by severe flood warnings are the Cogenhoe Mill Caravan Site, and the River Nene at Billing Aquadrome with nearby business parks.

Image: Hundreds of people in Bedfordshire had to flee their homes

Christmas Day saw flooding which forced hundreds of residents in parts of Bedfordshire to flee their homes after the river burst its banks and water flooded on to bridges and roads.

Also, more than a thousand people were forced to flee the Billing Aquadrome holiday park in the county of Northamptonshire on Christmas Eve when severe flood warnings were put in place for the River Nene.

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Northamptonshire Police said water had reached 5ft high in some places, with emergency services using boats to take residents in the worst-hit areas to safety.

Detective Superintendent Jamie Piscopo said: "Emergency services are working hard to ensure residents can return to the site as soon as possible, however it is not currently safe to do so.

More from UK

"We'd urge them to stay away until such time it is safe to do."

UPDATE: the teams continue to rescue and evacuate people in the Aquadrome under the direction of Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service

Several rescues performed including
3 adults from a car partially submerged in a ditch
A new mother and young Baby pic.twitter.com/2EAAich1Ct

— Northants SAR (@Northants_SAR) December 24, 2020

Storm Bella is expected to bring heavy rain and severe winds of up to 70mph to some other parts of the UK on Boxing Day, the Met Office said.

An amber wind warning has been issued for parts of southern Wales and southern England and a yellow warning for wind in England, Wales and the south of Scotland will be in force from 3pm on Boxing Day.

A yellow warning for rain has also been issued for parts of Scotland, Wales and much of northern and southwest England.

As of 3.30am on Saturday, there were 78 flood warning, meaning that flooding is expected and immediate action is required; and 101 flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible and people should be prepared.

Natural Resources Wales said there were two flood warnings - for the Lower Dee Valley from Llangollen to Trevalyn Meadows and the River Ritec at Tenby - and five flood alerts. There were no severe flood warnings.

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2020-12-26 04:49:59Z
52781268440082

Brexit: UK and EU can have 'special relationship', says Michael Gove - BBC News

EPA

The UK and EU will be able to enjoy a "special relationship" as a result of the post-Brexit trade deal, Cabinet Secretary Michael Gove has said.

Writing in the Times, Mr Gove said he hoped the agreement will also see politics move away from the bitterness surrounding the 2016 referendum.

He wrote: "We can now embark on a new, more hopeful, chapter in our history."

It comes as EU ambassadors received a Christmas Day briefing on the trade deal from EU negotiator Michel Barnier.

Mr Barnier updated them on the agreement, which was reached on Christmas Eve after months of fraught talks on issues such as fishing rights and business rules.

MPs will vote on the deal in Parliament on 30 December, with the UK set to exit existing trading rules on 31 December.

• 10 things to look for in the Brexit deal
• Johnson gets the deal both sides wanted to achieve
• How Brexit will change your holidays in 2021
• What the PM's mistake tells us about our future

Writing in the Times newspaper, Mr Gove, who was a leading campaigner for the Brexit vote in the 2016 referendum, said he "won't deny it's been difficult" for many people since then.

"Friendships have been strained, families were divided and our politics has been rancorous and, at times, ugly. Through the past four years, as a politician at the centre of this debate, I've made more than my share of mistakes or misjudgements, seen old friendships crumble and those closest to me have to endure pressures they never anticipated."

He said he had felt "conscious of a responsibility" to deliver Brexit, adding: "I asked people to vote Leave so they could have their voices heard."

Reuters

Mr Gove said the deal would give UK businesses "certainty and the ability to plan for growth and investment".

"We can develop a new pattern of friendly co-operation with the EU, a special relationship if you will, between sovereign equals," he added.

"The greatest prize, however, is the chance now to renew our country and help it to recover from the ravages of the Covid-19 pandemic in a spirit of shared endeavour and solidarity. We have a duty to spread opportunity more equally across the UK. Outside the EU, with a good trade deal in place, we can tackle the injustices and inequalities that have held Britain back."

The basics

• A Brexit deal has been agreed, days before a deadline. It means that the UK and the EU can continue to trade without extra taxes being put on goods - but we don't know all the details yet.
• What took so long? The UK voted to leave the EU in 2016 and actually left on 31 January 2020, but leaders had until the end of 2020 to work out a trade deal.
• There are big changes ahead. Although it's a trade deal that has been agreed, there will also be changes to how people travel between the EU and UK, and to the way they live and work.

What happens next with Brexit?

The 1,246-page post-Brexit document, which includes about 800 pages of annexes and footnotes, has been seen by the BBC. A 34-page summary of the deal has been published on the UK government's website, but not the complete text.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson said the deal will "give certainty to business, travellers, and all investors in our country".

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described the agreement as "fair" and "balanced", saying it was now "time to turn the page and look to the future".

The European Parliament needs to ratify the deal, which will define the future relationship for decades, but it is unlikely to do so until the new year.

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer - who campaigned against Brexit - said the deal did not provide adequate protections for jobs, manufacturing, financial services or workplace rights and was "not the deal the government promised".

But with no time left to renegotiate, the only choice was between "this deal or no deal," he added.

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2020-12-26 04:41:00Z
52781259169935