Haiti- the latest news

Jim has today welcomed the announcement by International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander of a trebling of UK emergency assistance to Haiti to £20 million.

They also praised the “incredible” response of people in East Renfrewshire to the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) appeal for Haiti, as well as hailing the life-saving work being done by UK firefighters to rescue people from the rubble [including by members of the team from Strathclyde fire and rescue service]. 

Jim said:

“I have been humbled by the incredible and generous response of local people in East Renfrewshire to the DEC appeal for Haiti. Once again it shows how, despite economic difficulties here at home, the British people are always willing to think of those worse off than themselves.

“I also strongly welcome the announcement this morning by Douglas Alexander that we will be trebling the amount of UK aid for disaster relief in Haiti to £20 million, and the assurance we are doing all that we can at the international level to co-ordinate and deal with the challenges of getting aid to the people who need it.

“Whilst it is clear there have been many frustrating and difficult days for the emergency teams responding – there are also incredible stories of hope, such as that of two year-old Mia, who was rescued by British fire-fighters from the rubble.

“If you haven’t already made a donation – please consider supporting the Disasters Emergency Committee appeal – you can make a donation by calling 0370 60 60 900 or visiting www.dec.org.uk”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1. Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development announced this morning a trebling of the UK contribution to disaster relief in Haiti – bringing it to £20 million.

2. This £20 million is being used to respond to urgent needs – and includes: £1 million for the International Federation of the Red Cross towards food, shelter, water and other immediate needs to 20,000 families; £2 million for the World Food Programme for transport and logistics; £1m to assist with aid co-ordination; £300,000 for the World Health Organisation for disease surveillance to help prevent epidemics in the aftermath of the disaster; and other essential work, including food, shelter, health and sanitation