Manchester Liberal Democrat Leader Simon Ashley has written to Council Leader Richard Leese today to suggest a common approach to offering support to the countries affected by the Tsunami on Boxing Day.
In the short term, the Council should follow Bury's example by setting up cash collection points in Council Buildings for the Disasters Emergency Committee, which is coordinating the British fund-raising effort.
In the longer term, the Council could offer support in its areas of expertise, perhaps, given the IRA bomb, emergency planning or regeneration, or by "adopting" a region.
Cllr Ashley said today, "I have asked Cllr Leese for an early meeting to help co-ordinate Manchester's response on an all party basis. In the short term, it should be about emergency relief. The public have already pledged £20M and I want the people of Manchester to be able to donate money at Council Offices."
He added, "In the longer term, Manchester needs to show practical leadership and support for the communities devastated by this tragedy."
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