'Huge generosity' in response to appeal for starving civilians in Yemen

A UK charity appeal launched to help starving civilians in war-torn Yemen has raised £5 million in less than 24 hours.

The Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) said the British public had donated £3 million to the Yemen Crisis Appeal and a further £2 million has come from the Government by way of the Aid Match scheme.

More than seven million people in Yemen do not know where their next meal will come from and many children are dying from malnutrition, according to the organisation, which represents 13 UK aid charities.

The DEC said the campaign, fronted by Oscar-nominated actor Tom Hardy and television presenter Clare Balding, has helped member charities provide food, treatment for malnutrition and cash to millions of people.

Oxfam, the British Red Cross, Save The Children and Christian Aid are among the charities supporting the appeal, which was launched on major broadcasters including the BBC, ITV, Sky, Channel 4 and Channel 5 on Tuesday.

Its launch comes after Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said he had "deep concern" about the suffering of Yemenis but backed the Saudi Arabia-led military intervention in the country.

Riyadh is supporting the internationally-recognised government of Yemen against Iran-backed Houthi rebels.

DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said: "People in the UK have, once again, shown their huge generosity and we're very grateful for their response to the humanitarian crisis in Yemen.

"The strong personal TV appeals made by Clare Balding and Tom Hardy last night highlighting the desperate situations of families and children have really struck a chord with the public.

"This vital fundraising must continue to help save lives and reduce the suffering of people in Yemen."

:: To make a donation visit www.dec.org.uk, call 0370 60 60 900, visit any high street bank or Post Office, or donate £5 by texting the word SUPPORT to 70000.