William Hague and David Cameron pledge to assist the people of Japan affected by today's earthquake

By Jonathan Isaby

The rolling news channels have understandably been giving blanket coverage this morning to the colossal earthquake in Japan, with tsunami warnings now being issued for countries in the Pacific region.

There is a Cobra meeting currently uinderway in Whitehall, with Foreign Secretary William Hague expected to speak after its conclusion.

For now, statements have been issued by the Foreign Secretary and Prime Minister as follows.

Speaking before the European Council meeting in Brussels, David Cameron said:

"The first thing we should be thinking about today is sending our sympathies and our condolences to the Japanese people. We've had a terrible reminder of the destructive power of nature and everyone should be thinking of that country and their  people, and I've asked immediately that our Government should look at what we can do to help."

WIlliam Hague said:

“My thoughts are with the people of Japan at this time. We are in contact with the Japanese government and I have asked our Ambassador in Tokyo to offer all assistance we can as Japan responds to this terrible disaster.

“We are also working urgently to provide consular assistance to British Nationals. Our Embassy and Consulates-General across Japan are in touch with local authorities and making contact with British Nationals to provide consular assistance. We have set up a crisis centre in the Foreign Office to co-ordinate our response and offer advice to anyone concerned about relatives or friends in Japan. We are not aware of any British casualties at this time.

“Our advice to those in Japan is to check immediate surroundings for fire, gas leaks, broken glass and other hazards, and open doors and windows to avoid being locked in if there are after-shocks. British Nationals should also make contact with the British Embassy in Tokyo on +(81) 3 5211 1100 or the Consulate-General in Osaka +(81) 6 6120 5600 and monitor local TV and radio for evacuation information. Radio stations in the Tokyo area that have emergency information in English include the US Armed Forces station at 810AM and InterFM (76.1FM). British Nationals at evacuation sites should cooperate with the Japanese authorities and clearly identify themselves as British. Those connected with larger organisations such as companies, schools or church groups should also try to let these organisations know of their situation if possible

“Following tsunami warnings across the region our Embassies and Consulates are preparing to provide assistance. Rapid Deployment Teams are ready to travel immediately to the areas of most need.”

I am sure the thoughts and prayers of all ConHome readers will also be with those who have already been affected by the disaster or are currently fearing the effects of the tsunami.