Euro-MP calls for explanation over British hurricane victims

3.32.51pm UTC (GMT +0000) Thu 8th Sep 2005

London's Liberal Democrat MEP Baroness Sarah Ludford has spoken out over the treatment of British victims of Hurricane Katrina, left to stew by both American and British officials.

Bush and Blair in a Joint Press Conference at the Whitehouse. 30th November 2001

A growing number of British people report being left "stranded" in New Orleans by American police forces who had orders to evacuate only US citizens. Many of those left to fend for themselves in the city then turned to the British consulate for help, only to be told that the American authorities had forbidden British officials from entering the flood-stricken city.

Sarah Ludford said:

"I've written to the US Ambassador to London asking for an explanation of why British people were abandoned by the American authorities. When such a disaster occurs surely the values of basic humanity come before this kind of pecking order mentality, according to which American citizens take priority over all others, and rich ones over poor.

I have to draw a contrast, although the circumstances are very different, with the magnificent way London's emergency services reacted after the bombs on July 7th.On that day, police, fire and ambulance services all went far beyond the call of duty to ensure that everyone involved was evacuated as quickly and as safely as possible from the scenes of the explosions.

George Bush is fond of claiming that the United States "has no better friend in the world than Great Britain." He is right. The Blair government blindly followed the Americans into Iraq, against the will of the British people and at the expense of our European alliances. Is neglect in New Orleans the reward our citizens should expect for our government's misguided loyalty?"

Sarah Ludford has also written to Foreign Secretary Jack Straw for an explanation of the claim by British consular officials that Louisiana state authorities refused them access to the city - while Australia was apparently able to get in and evacuate its citizens.

Notes

• Quote from George W. Bush taken from a Joint Press Conference given by George W. Bush and Tony Blair on the latter's visit to the Whitehouse on 30th November 2001.