The government must increase humanitarian aid to tackle famine and drought in the third world, an MP has urged.
Rushanara Ali, who is MP for Bethnal Green and Bow, made the plea after a UN study found almost 260,000 people died of famine in Somalia in east Africa during 2011.
Almost half of those who died were under the age of five, the study found.
Ms Ali, who is shadow minister for international development, criticised international response to the crisis.
“Action was only taken once the famine had been officially declared and at that point thousands were already suffering and the crisis could sadly no longer be averted”, she said.
The UK must now enshrine its commitment to providing aid in law, Ms Ali added.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here