Wednesday, March 23 2005 12:26 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

London: The UK public raised as much as 300 million Pounds for victims of the tsunami disaster, the British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw has said.

He informed the House of Commons yesterday (Mar 22, 2005) that the public response to the disaster was "staggering" and said that the British consular officials and police deployed to the tsunami affected areas since December 26 had done "superb work in difficult and traumatic circumstances".

Straw said that with Presidency of G-8 this year, the UK would be working with international and regional partners to develop "sustainable" ways to reduce people's vulnerability to the threat of future disasters.

The Government's Chief Scientific Adviser, Sir David King, is leading a group of scientists and experts studying the risks presented by natural hazards and working on early-warning systems.

Straw said that the Government has already taken action to help people in the region rebuilding their livelihoods through debt relief and trade measures.

Straw said that a memorial service for the victims would be held at St Paul's Cathedral in London on May 11. The Queen and Prime Minister would attend.

"The grief of families who have lost loved ones will always be with them. The Government remains determined to offer all the support we can to them and to all the victims of this terrible tragedy," he said.