EVEN in the midst of a disaster, there are political points to be scored.

David Cameron must appear to be in control as an “almost unparalleled natural crisis” engulfs Britain. He must be seen to be acting decisively and promising to help those in most need, whatever the cost.

But Labour leader Ed Miliband is compelled to cast doubt on the Prime Minister’s “grand promise”.

How meaningful is Mr Cameron’s “money is no object” declaration now that we know it is not new cash but reserves from existing contingency budgets?

The political froth from the storms may be inevitable but we prefer the approach of Dr Nicholas Odoni, of Durham University, who has called for politicians to set aside party rivalry and plan decades ahead.

He says the disaster facing southern England should not be seen as sudden or unforeseeable. It is a matter of time before nature unleashes its incredible power and long-term strategies are required to cope when the inevitable happens.

Long-term planning is the responsibility of successive governments.

Political parties share the responsibility for flaws in existing strategies to deal with extreme weather. Political parties must also share the responsibility to learn from past failings and put them right to reduce the risk from future disasters.

Of course there is a need for immediate relief for those worst affected.

But there is a more far-reaching requirement for politicians to embrace the need for joined-up thinking.