Press release: Hurricane Irma: statement from Priti Patel

Commenting on the impact of Hurricane Irma in the Caribbean International Development Secretary, Priti Patel, said:

The thoughts of the British people are with all those affected by Hurricane Irma and Britain has already taken swift action to respond.

We have deployed three UK aid humanitarian experts to the region to help coordinate the response, and positioned a British naval ship with 40 Royal Marines, Army Engineers, and vehicles, tents and facilities to purify water on board.

Our staff are on standby, both in the UK and at post, to support any British people affected. We urge British Nationals in the affected area to closely monitor and follow Foreign Office and local travel advice.