DAILY MAIL COMMENT: Rescue Christmas for these stoical victims 

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In this age of self-pity and the culture of victimhood, who could fail to be moved by the stoicism of Cumbrians and Lancastrians whose Christmases have been devastated by storm Desmond?

For many, this is the second time in ten years they’ve faced the misery of seeing homes, possessions and livelihoods wrecked by foul floodwater.

But the fortitude and community spirit of victims and volunteers have been truly inspiring, with the focus on starting over again, without rage or recrimination.

What a contrast to the politicians’ petty point-scoring. Some have blamed cuts for the failure of flood defences. Others have claimed gleefully that the freak storm confirms their theories about man-made global warming.

In this age of self-pity and the culture of victimhood, who could fail to be moved by the stoicism of Cumbrians and Lancastrians whose Christmases have been devastated by storm Desmond?

The extent of the flooding near Keswick in Cunbria as seen from Latrigg caused by Storm Desmond

But then to the greens and the BBC, all such disasters are due to ‘climate change’, while any meteorological conditions that contradict their creed are just ‘weather’.

Whatever the cause, the ineluctable fact is that spending on flood defences has been cut by a significant 14 per cent. And as Ian Birrell argues on Page 9, it is surely madness to make these economies at home, while spending billions on similar projects abroad.

Meanwhile, the priority must be to ensure as happy a Christmas as possible for the thousands of British families whose festive plans have been devastated and who face a nightmare 2016.

Which is why the Mail today launches its Christmas Flood Appeal to provide accommodation, emergency repairs, food, drink and clothing to those in need. We know those of our remarkable readers who can afford it will give generously.

Two words say it all

In two withering words, a senior Government adviser blows away the keystone of David Cameron’s efforts to renegotiate Britain’s EU membership.

Asked how much difference the proposed benefit curbs would make to the number of migrants pouring in, Sir Stephen Nickell, a member of the Office for Budget Responsibility, replies: ‘Not much.’

In other words, even if Mr Cameron gets his way on his most hotly resisted demand, EU workers will continue to be drawn by Britain’s job opportunities and the increasing minimum wage.

In two withering words, a senior Government adviser blows away the keystone of David Cameron’s efforts to renegotiate Britain’s EU membership

Meanwhile, OBR chairman Robert Chote predicts employment will rise 1.1million by 2020 – with ‘roughly three quarters’ of the jobs going to migrants.

A stark choice faces Mr Cameron. He could use his talent for spin to hail any hint of concession from Brussels as a resounding victory for Britain.

Alternatively, he could heed the ascent of the far Right in France, admit the truth that Brussels is in no mood for meaningful change – and throw his weight behind the ‘Out’ campaign. For withdrawing is the only way we will ever control mass immigration into this country.

Scots’ narrow escape

What a disaster it would have been for the people of Scotland if they’d voted to break away from the UK last year!

When the nationalists promised independence would bring untold wealth, they based their highly dubious sums on a North Sea oil price of $113 a barrel.

Yesterday, the price plummeted to a seven-year low of less than $40 a barrel, with North Sea revenues predicted to crash by 94 per cent before 2020.

When the nationalists, including Alex Salmond (left) and Nicola Sturgeon (right) promised independence would bring untold wealth, they based their highly dubious sums on a North Sea oil price of $113 a barrel

Leave aside the billions England spent on bailing out Scottish banks. The oil price alone would have made a basket case of an independent Scotland.

As George Osborne rules out another referendum for at least a generation (though what’s it got to do with him?), shouldn’t Scots congratulate themselves on their narrow escape?

And shouldn’t the SNP’s ‘noisy and aggressive’ MPs display a little humility?