Although it’s not on our doorstep, Britain has one of the largest Indian diasporas with over 1.5 million British Indians here. Like many others, I have been devastated by the scenes of Covid-struck patients in India over the past week, where hospitals are now running out of oxygen.
To assure those of you with friends and relatives there, Britain has taken urgent action and is sending ventilators and oxygen concentrators from our surplus stocks.
The first shipment will leave our shores today and arrive in New Delhi in the early hours of Tuesday morning. I understand that further shipments are due to follow later this week.
In total, nine airline container loads of supplies, including 495 oxygen concentrators, 120 non-invasive ventilators and 20 manual ventilators, will be sent this week.
Ministers are also working closely with the Indian government to identify further assistance that Britain can provide in the coming days.
Across East Surrey and the country at large, I know all our thoughts and prayers will be with those in India who are currently going through the unimaginable.
