I AM always amazed when people call for an end to overseas aid (Letters, July 19), presumably in the mistaken belief that we have no liability to the rest of the world.

We are a trading nation, and to maintain our prosperity we import vast amounts of food, fuel, and cheap manufactured goods from around the globe.

It is only right, therefore, when other countries suffer from natural disasters, famine, disease, and general poverty, that we do our best to help them, an attitude that is in accordance with our Christian ethics.

Although the amounts involved may seem large, they only amount to a few hours GDP, which we can well afford.

On many occasions in the past, we have called on others for various forms of help and assistance, and certainly sometime in the future we will do so again, when we will expect as much compassion as we show to others.

Tony Howlett, Common Road, Dunnington.