International development secretary defends Government's Hurricane Irma relief effort

The supplies are being gathered in a Gloucestershire airfield. Credit: ITV West Country

Speaking in Gloucestershire, International Development Secretary, Priti Patel, has defended the Government's humanitarian response to Hurricane Irma.

Emergency supplies are being gathered at Kemble airfield as part of the relief effort for British overseas territories.

Former UK representative to Anguilla, Dorothea Hodge, described the Government’s effort as "absolutely pathetic".

A total of 10,000 UK aid buckets and 5,000 UK aid solar lanterns are being loaded onto three trucks, which will then be sent across the Atlantic.

Winds of 175mph have devastated the British territories overnight.

Naval forces including Plymouth-based HMS Ocean have been deployed as part of the aid effort.

Hurricane Irma is being followed by the weaker Hurricane Jose. Credit: U.S. NAVY/UPI/PA Images

The operation is being coordinated by the Department For International Development.

International Development Secretary Priti Patel says the Government is doing the best it can under difficult circumstances.

Prime Minister Theresa May announced yesterday the Government will commit £32 million to the relief effort.

Cornwall-based International disaster relief agency, ShelterBox, says it is on standby to respond to damage and displacement caused by Hurricane Irma.