Following her visit to Bangladesh, Anne Main MP visited the Disaster Emergency Committee (DEC) headquarters to discuss the plight of the Rohingya refugees with the international development secretary, Priti Patel.
Joined by fellow MPs Paul Scully and Rushanara Ali, Anne met with senior representatives from DEC and other senior figures from charity groups who have recently returned from the refugee camps.
‘It was important for us share our experiences of the camps with the secretary of state and to discuss what more the UK government can do, and how best UK aid is used to help people on the ground.
‘I welcome the fact that the secretary of state will be visiting the region,’ added Mrs Main.
The group also discussed the importance of on-going charitable support and the need for improved infrastructure and health provisions in the camps.
DEC is an umbrella group of large UK charities who coordinate major disaster and humanitarian crises appeals all around the world. DEC have been coordinating the recent public appeal for support for the Rohingya refugees – they have raised £8 million in the past week.
‘It was great to hear how much DEC’s appeal has raised in such a short period of time. I know how important this money is and how desperately needed it is – I hope anyone who can will donate to this important appeal.
‘The secretary of state was well informed of what is happening and I am pleased that the government is taking action.’