UK Prime Minister statement on Ebola at the European Council

David Cameron made an oral statement in the House of Commons today on the European Council, Afghanistan, Ebola, Ukraine and the EU budget.

Ebola
First, on Ebola, the world is facing one of the worst public health emergencies in a generation.

Playing our part in halting the rise of this terrible disease is not just about meeting our moral obligations. [indistinct] it is also the single most effective way of preventing Ebola infecting people here in the UK.

That is why Britain has been a making such a major contribution to the international response. [indistinct] pledging over £205 million, and sending troops and health workers to West Africa.

But it also means that Britain must use its influence to get other countries to step up their contributions too.

Before the Council I wrote to all my fellow leaders, urging that we significantly step up our collective response.

At the meeting, Members States agreed to my proposal to more than double the EU effort by pledging over 1 billion euros in assistance. The Council also agreed to increase the deployment of medical and support staff in the region. [indistinct] and for member states to guarantee proper care for our courageous health workers.