Simon Danczuk said money needs to be spent in this country rather than in developing ones

Photo: Journeaux

Simon Danczuk

Rochdale MP Simon Danczuk, who said more could have been done to prevent the flooding, says money needs to be spent in this country rather than in developing ones.

Speaking to BBC Radio Manchester in the aftermath of the devastating flood which hit Rochdale on Boxing Day, he said: "Why do we spend money in Bangladesh when it needs spending in Great Britain?

"What we need to do is to sort out the problems which are occurring here and not focus so much on developing countries. That has to be our priority."

Over the weekend, Rochdale was one of the worst flood-affected areas.

Mr Danczuk said: "It's been awful, terrible for people who have been affected, we need to put that right as soon as possible.

"I think more could have been done, I don't think there's any doubt about that. I think the Environment Agency could have done more to prepare for this. We would have anticipated this and concerns were raised with the Environment Agency."

Mr Danczuk was severely criticised over the weekend by a number of local residents for having a "fun" night out with his girlfriend, rather than helping his constituents who were badly affected by flooding:

http://www.rochdaleonline.co.uk/news-features/2/news-headlines/100091/simon-danczuk-criticised-for-fun-evening-whilst-constituents-suffered-devastating-consequences-of-floods