A north-east MP has quizzed UK Government ministers on efforts to tackle the outbreak of the deadly Ebola virus.
Sir Malcolm Bruce, Gordon representative and deputy Liberal Democrat leader, said Britain’s help to build better healthcare systems in poorer countries was key to containing epidemics.
The veteran politician, who is chairman of Westminster’s international development committee, argued that it was another example of how investing in overseas aid was mutually beneficial.
Sir Malcolm said: “The British government has been instrumental in helping countries like Sierra Leone and Liberia to strengthen their health systems.
“But it is very clear that the existing infrastructure in these countries is just not developed enough to cope with the scale of the problem posed by Ebola.
“Whilst everyone agrees that the immediate priority is to contain the virus and protect British citizens, I am pleased that the government recognises the importance in the long-term of helping these developing countries to build health systems that can treat and contain a possible future Ebola outbreak more effectively.
“It’s clear that in today’s globalised world, a failure to properly contain epidemics can have serious consequences for all countries.
“Helping these developing nations to strengthen their health systems is a good example of how our overseas aid programme works in the interests of both the world’s poorest people and the UK population.”