Environment Boss Regrets Holiday Return Delay

The chairman of the Environment Agency has said he regrets not returning earlier from his Christmas holiday in Barbados. Sir Philip Dilley told MPs the severity of the new floods in the UK became apparent on Boxing Day, and he was in regular contact with senior staff at the agency. Sir Philip, who was strongly criticised for going on holiday during last month's storms, made the comment while being quizzed by members of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Committee.