When disasters happen in the world, the British Government is first to hand out taxpayers' money in aid, together with concerts and door-to-door collections to help these unfortunates. Yet when extreme disastrous events occur in Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the rest of the world doesn't want to know.

When one thinks back to the millions of pounds in aid we gave to the US (New Orleans), to India, nearly all of Africa, the East Indies (tsunami) and nearly every country and island in the world, it is time they all put their hands in their pockets to help those who are in dire straits in the UK.

Now would be a good time for the likes of Geldof, Bono and others, who are always eager to help foreigners, to appeal to these countries for aid coming this way, or are we British recognised only when their hands are out looking for help?

Panorama, Belfast