Australia bushfire crisis

Early day motion 28, tabled 7 January 2020 by Ruth Jones (Labour). Signed by 39 members.

That this House acknowledges that the Commonwealth of Australia is fighting one of its worst bushfire seasons, fuelled by record-breaking temperatures and months of severe drought; recognises that the heart-breaking and vicious bushfire crisis is affecting states and territories right across the Commonwealth of Australia; sends its heartfelt sympathies to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives; regrets that almost 2000 homes have been lost, millions of hectares of land have been scorched and many communities have been raised to the ground; pays tribute to all those members of the emergency services who have worked so hard to save the lives of both people and animals; acknowledges with thanks, the many volunteers who have put themselves in harm’s way to try and help fight the fires and save lives; notes with sadness that millions of animals have lost their lives; reiterates the words of condolence and sorrow expressed by Her Majesty, the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition and Mr Speaker; re-dedicates itself to taking whatever measures are necessary to protect and defend the planet for future generations; and calls on the UK Government to redouble its efforts and provide as much support and assistance to Australia as possible, in the days and weeks ahead.

Signatures by party: Labour 15, Scottish National Party 7, DUP 5, Conservative 4, Labour/Co-operative 3, Plaid Cymru 3, Liberal Democrat 2.