Like BSE, the storms and floods affecting much of the UK are due to man's "arrogant disregard of the delicate balance of nature" says the Prince of Wales.

Speaking at a BMA conference, Prince Charles spoke of an age of "unprecedented, and sometimes terrifying, technological advance where speed of advance so often outstrips the necessary ethical considerations". The prince's warning about the "alarming potential of environmental changes" comes as the Environment Agency warned that the worst was yet to come, with the north of England expecting up to three inches of rain in the next three days.