Theresa May puts 1,200 soldiers on standby to tackle winter floods

Three battalions ready to avert crisis after storms last year caused severe damage across north of England

Theresa May has placed three battalions of up to 1,200 soldiers on 24-hour standby to help if England suffers flooding this winter.

Last winter torrential rain affected thousands of families, resulting in criticism of the government. The storms forced the evacuation of homes and caused severe damage across the north of England. Somerset was badly affected by floods a year earlier.