Government pledges £1 million for China
The government has pledged £1 million to help with the relief effort following China’s devastating earthquake on Monday.
In statement announcing the assistance, Douglas Alexander, international development secretary, said: “In response to Chinese requests for international assistance for the earthquake relief effort, the UK Government is today committing up to £1 million.
“The prime minister has written to Premier Wen of China offering his support and condolences for the terrible loss of life and devastation caused by this week’s earthquake.
“We are concerned for the UK nationals as yet unaccounted for and grateful to the Chinese authorities for their assistance.”
Fifteen thousand people are thought to have died in the earthquake, which hit China’s Sichuan province on Monday.
More than 25,000 are still trapped in the rubble two days after the 7.9 quake hit.
Australia and several EU member states have also offered assistance.
