Cameron to visit regions hit by Storm Desmond

Existing defences criticised but minister says they bought people time to evacuate amid 'probably the highest rainfall ever in UK'

David Cameron is to visit flood-stricken areas in the north-west amid criticism of the defences that failed to keep water out of people's homes and businesses.

The prime minister chaired a meeting of the emergency Cobra committee on Monday morning, which looked at how to get immediate help for those affected by Storm Desmond and longer term efforts to get areas "back on their feet".