Andrew Miller, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, has today backed the emergency appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), which brings together leading UK charities such as Save the Children, Oxfam and World Vision, to respond to the devastating earthquake which has struck Haiti.

Mr Miller also welcomed the announcement by the UK government of an immediate $10 million donation (over £6 million) to aid the victims, as well as the urgent deployment of a search and rescue team comprised of UK firefighters.

Andrew Miller said:

“It is clear that we are facing a major humanitarian crisis. Haiti needs help and it needs it now.  The scenes on our television screens have deeply shocked us all.

“The most pressing need is for international search and rescue teams – including firefighters from all over Britain - to get on with their work of saving lives – and I applaud their work.

“But at the same time there is an overwhelming requirement for food, water, sanitation, shelter and medicine among the people who have been made homeless.

“That is why I welcome the announcement by Douglas Alexander today that the Department for International Development is providing $10 million (over £6 million) to help kick-start humanitarian relief in Haiti.

“It is also at times like these that I am always so impressed by the generosity of people across Britain.

“I would strongly encourage people in Ellesmere Port and Neston to support the appeal by the Disasters Emergency Committee for UK charities who will be undertaking life-saving work in Haiti – you can make a donation by calling 0370 60 60 900 or by visiting www.dec.org.uk”

Ends
14th January 2010