With the terrible plight of thousands of British people through flooding, one wonders why it has taken the Government so long to act.

There is lots of talk of a scheme to help homeowners and businesses but no one is actually doing something. We have them spending time on a vote about people smoking in cars, when we can’t actually enforce it, while the police seem too busy manning speed traps to raise revenue.

It would be far better if they got their wellies on and did something useful for the flood victims.

A scheme to prevent this situation happening again should have been put in place before now.

When flooding occurs in other countries, which is the first nation to send aid? Yes, the UK.

I have often asked: what would happen if we ever had a disaster? Would we get help? Now we know.

We should rethink sending aid to other countries for now.

Chris Harvey-Jones, Rose Hill Terrace, Brighton

When there is a disaster, quite rightly, we give generously to places such as the Philippines.

It’s only right an aid appeal was set up for our own flood victims to help them get back to normal.

In future, it could also be used to put flood defence mechanisms in place for the long-term.

Peter Burrows, Tower Road, Brighton