§ Mr. John CryerTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what steps her Department has taken to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq; and if she will make a statement.[34635]
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§ Clare ShortI have recently announced a new £7 million programme for humanitarian assistance to the people of Baghdad-controlled Iraq, to be directed through UN Agencies, and NGOs who have a capacity to provide food and medicines to those in need. This new package is in addition to my Department's existing programme of some £3 million a year, which is concentrated in the North.
I will also be co-hosting a meeting in April with my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to discuss how the European Union and others can help the UN to try to ensure that the expanded oil-for-food programme brings urgent relief to the Iraqi people.