Mindanao Earthquake

Earl of Effingham Excerpts

Wednesday 10th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Lord Lemos (Lab)]

I suppose I should have been prepared for that question. My noble friend will also be prepared for me to say I do not know the answer, but I will check. As I have said, if the Government of the Philippines asked for our help, we would provide it, but there is no suggestion that they have asked for help from the Royal Navy at the moment.

[The Earl of Effingham (Con)]

My Lords, the safety and well-being of those living in and around General Santos City is the only thing that matters right now. But, following on from my noble friend Lady Sugg, on a practical level, we have some brilliant UK-based firms with international operations that specialise in structural integrity assessment and crisis communications. Apparently, the wounded are being treated in tents because they are afraid of the hospitals collapsing. Will the FCDO engage with both our experts and the Philippines authorities so we can try to make a real difference? Surely, we do not need to be asked; we should be on the front foot.

[Lord Lemos (Lab)]

Of course we will. We will not just wait to be asked. The Philippines Government, as I have said, have made a strong response and we will respond to requests for help. Of course we prepare, plan and monitor the situation. The noble Lord knows that.