Severe drought declared across Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Sussex
Wimbleball Reservoir is at 14.9% capacity, against about 75% normally expected now
Water minister Emma Hardy has told MPs that over 80% of England is now in drought, affecting around 50 million people.
She called it "something we have not experienced for decades" and said action was needed now to stop shortages becoming "the norm". Severe drought was declared on Thursday across parts of Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Somerset and Sussex.
The opposition says this is the third drought in five years and accused the government of being "slow to react". Should households be asked to cut back when it keeps happening?
Full story: BBC News – Top stories
