Money is no object in relief effort, says David Cameron

As Ireland prepares for biting winds and snowfall, homes in the south of England are battling the elements as waters continue to rise.

Homes along the River Thames are being evacuated and thousands more are risk, with water levels expected to keep rising over the next 24 hours, reports the BBC.

The UK Environment Agency has issued fourteen "severe" flood warnings in Berkshire and Surrey, while two remain in Somerset. On Monday night, Surrey police reported over 150 people had been rescued in the previous 24 hours. County police forces have declared a "major incident" in both east Berkshire and Surrey.

The Environment Agency has reported the highest ever number of “severe” flood warnings, saying many areas had seen more than double their average rainfall.

Meanwhile, prime minister David Cameron returned from his tour of flooding in the south-west on Tuesday afternoon to hold a press conference in Downing Street.

He announced the British government would spend whatever was needed to support those affected by the flooding. “Money is no object in this relief effort,” he said. “Whatever money is needed for it will be spent.” He added the British flooding was due to get worse, with 133 flood warnings and 225 flood alerts still in place.

Mr Cameron said a new cabinet committee will be set up to oversee the recovery and that he would cancel his trip to the Middle East planned for next week. He also said £10 million would be made available to help farmers recover from the floods.

“There is absolutely no sign of this threat abating, and with further rain and strong winds forecast throughout the week, things may get worse before they get better,” said Mr Cameron.

Labour leader Ed Miliband said this afternoon that climate change would continue to bring "more extreme weather events." He urged the government to invest in more flood defences, saying the time had come for the government to take the situation "seriously".

Over 1,650 military personnel from the British Army have been drafted in to help with the flood response in the south of England, while the Met office has extended its amber “be prepared” warning to many parts of northern England.