The Burma Campaign UK today welcomed an announcement by Prime Minister Gordon Brown that HMS Westminster is on its way to Burma with humanitarian supplies. It is more than a week since the cyclone struck and the regime ruling Burma is still blocking aid to the country.
“Everyone we speak to in Burma is desperate for help,” said Mark Farmaner, Director of Burma Campaign UK. “We have been calling for the Royal Navy to be sent to help. People in Burma will be very pleased that HMS Westminster is on the way.”
Oxfam has warned that 1.5 million people are at risk unless aid reaches them soon. Burma’s rainy season starts within two weeks, which will make overland access to many of the worst affected parts almost impossible. Boats and helicopters will be the only way to get aid in.
“HMS Westminster has the aid people need and the means to deliver that aid,” said Mark Farmaner. “If the regime continues to block aid, then the British government must be prepared to go in and save lives even without the regime’s permission. We can’t stand by and let thousands die needlessly.”
Conservative Party leader David Cameron today echoed that call, saying that if aid was not allowed into Burma in the next few days, then aid should be delivered anyway.
For more information contact Mark Farmaner on 020 7324 4713.