Michael Foster MP 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.

The MP also welcomed the announcement today by the UK government of an immediate million to aid the victims, as well as the urgent deployment of a 61 man strong search and rescue team comprised of UK firefighters.

Michael Foster MP 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.

“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 Hastings and Rye 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 visiting www.dec.org.uk.

“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 that the Department for International Development is providing million to help kickstart humanitarian relief in Haiti.”

ENDS

Notes to editors:

1.     Douglas Alexander, Secretary of State for International Development has announced a million donation from the Department for International Development to support urgent humanitarian needs and relief work in response to the devastating earthquake.

2.     Around .6 million will go immediately to the appeal launched by the International Federation of the Red Cross. Other likely priorities for the remainder of the funds include water, sanitation, health, food and shelters. The UK contribution will be divided between a number of international agencies and appeals – dictated by an ongoing assessment of need on the ground.