DIG DEEP TO DONATE SAYS MP

The Rutland and Melton MP has been working closely with Shadow Cabinet leader Michael Howard to put pressure on the Government to do all it can to help victims of the disaster.

Mr Duncan said: "People should give because this is the biggest natural disaster in living memory. It's not just the loss of life but the fact it has caused more long-term damage to people's livelihoods than the worst earthquake."

Mr Duncan's efforts have included speaking to several members of the Labour cabinet, including Hilary Benn, secretary of state for international development

He said: "There's been a massive degree of co-operation over this relief effort, and both sides have done all they can to be professional and avoid political squabbling."

Mr Duncan, who is shadow secretary of state for international development, has successfully called on the Government to change rules over funding available for the repatriation of tsunami victims from the United Kingdom.

Under the rules, funding was available to bring victims of terrorism back home but not people killed by natural disasters.

Mr Duncan said: "We've said: 'Come on, forget the cost, just bring these people home.'

"There are schools around Melton doing all they can to help out so why shouldn't the Government make the same effort?"

Mr Duncan has also made a personal donation to the Disasters Emergency Committee tsunami earthquake appeal. Anyone interested can visit www.dec.org.uk

Mr Duncan said: "If you've already given then we say thank you, but for people who haven't, what they must understand is that no amount is too big or too small."

* The Melton Methodist Circuit has sent an interim 1,000 donation to help the disaster victims and has invited the 13 churches within the circuitto meet this contribution.

Treasurer Dennis Hurst said: "Early indications are that this amount will begenerously surpassed.Individual members who have not yet donated are encouraged to do so via their church or direct with the circuit."