I have been absolutely horrified to see the escalation of violence in the North-East of Sri Lanka, and have found the resultant loss of civilian life and deterioration of humanitarian conditions both appalling and deeply distressing.

I have recently met with members of the Tooting Tamil community as well as local residents to discuss the current crisis.  I have also met with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister Bill Rammell MP to discuss what more needs to be done to end the huge suffering.

I am determined to do all I can to put an end to the horrendous situation. I was pleased to see that Foreign Secretary Rt Hon David Miliband MP has called for an immediate ceasefire in the region and I wholeheartedly support this position. I have arranged to meet with the Foreign Secretary to discuss how we can achieve this. In addition, I have written to Mr Miliband formally outlining my position and representing the views of the numerous constituents who have contacted me on the matter.