Cyclone

[catswhiskas]

The UK has just pledged two million quid to the island of Vanatu to help with the suffering , does anybody else think , that this could have been used here ?

[-Talbot-]

Well of course it could have been used here. It wasn't though, is that a problem?

[boxtops]

It probably couldn't (although yes, other services are in dire need), but this will have come from the foreign aid budget. You can't swap money about between internationally-agreed budgets.

[Daffy6543]

It's only 2 million, not a huge amount in the grand scheme of things. As boxtops said, it will come from the international aid budget anyway so was already earmarked for being spend on disasters abroad.

[marval]

As has been already said, this money was probably earmarked for foreign aid. I have no problem with us helping people in a genuine need.

[Buenchico]

£2m is peanuts. It wouldn't even buy (say) half of a new science block for a single school here, whereas it could help large numbers of people in what was previously a British (and co-French) territory.

[mikey4444]

Can't see any problem whatsoever, with Britain providing emergency aid to a disaster zone. None whatsoever.

[RATTER15]

I have no issue with helping these people, Its only 2 million!!

[youngmafbog]

I agree. This is a clear case where we should help.

[Pete65]

Parts of Vanuatu have been devasted by a cyclone.
It is a pity we could not send them more help.

[sp1814]

It could've been used here sure, but I'm happy that it isn't.

[DaisyNonna]

We should definitely help

[catswhiskas]

Yes, you have all passed the test, it was the right thing to do.

[janbee]

We should always help those in GENUINE need and this is definitely a case of GENUINE need. I used to deal with Vanuatu many years ago(about 25 !) and they were always lovely people and I feel so desperately sorry for them all right now. I hope the whole world will rally round to help in whatever way they can. Money is not enough, they need food, clothing, water, meds. shelter, re-building etc etc. They will need more than our £2m

[mikey4444]

I am so glad catswhiskas, that I passed your test !

[anotheoldgit]

Yes a very worthy cause, because what these poor people are suffering can only be described as horrendous.

But what I often wonder over such offers of help, money wise or any other way, would we extend the same hand in help if it were to happen in countries such as North Korea or Russia for example?

[jd_1984]

What about the £1bn raised by Comic Relief in the last 30 years? What percentage went to UK charities. Answer: It doesn't matter to me, being able to help in the most war torn and poorest areas in the world is good for humanity.