In the largest pledge of support from the international community so far, Labour’s International Development Secretary, Douglas Alexander, has announced an initial UK contribution of up to £5 million to help the Burmese with emergency relief efforts following Cyclone Nargis.

The Cyclone has had a devastating effect on the Burmese people leaving more than 22,000 dead and affecting up to 5 million people.

The Prime Minister, Gordon Brown, said:

“I want to pledge on behalf of the British government that we will work with the whole international community to make sure that the food aid and the other support that is necessary is available to the people of Burma.”

The Department for International Development also announced it will be sending an emergency field team to help with the wider international relief efforts and support the DFID team already in Burma.

The Labour Government will also continue to call on the Burmese regime to provide rapid support to its people and to accept international assistance.

The UK is one of the few countries providing long term humanitarian assistance inside Burma with our aid making a real difference to the lives of the poor. In October 2007, the UK announced that it would increase its aid for the poorest people in Burma to £18 million by 2010. None of our aid goes through the military regime but is delivered through the UN or reputable Non-Governmental Organisations to ensure that it reaches the people who need it most

The Labour Party is currently running a campaign on Burma. For more information on the situation on Burma and what you can do to help please click here>>