Harriet Harman MP, Labour's Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, speaking on the announcement of the DEC appeal for the Horn of  Africa said:

"This is an important appeal from leading aid organisations who urgently need support to help people suffering so severely in the Horn of Africa. The situation is serious and  urgent action is needed. 

"Time and time again - like after the Haiti earthquake and after the Pakistan floods - the British people have shown their generosity. I know this will be no different.  I pay tribute to this generosity,  not least to the diaspora communities in the UK, who play such an important role in responding to humanitarian emergencies in their countries of  origin. The government must recognise that and draw on the knowledge of the East African diaspora here in Britain  and ensure they are kept fully informed of our government's action in the region.

"The  government has already given welcome funding to tackle the emergency in this region. They must continue to  keep the pressure up for greater international action to prevent a catastrophe."