Nepal’s struggle against the impacts of climate change was brought to the forefront of the British Parliament on Tuesday as Alex Baker, a Labour MP, raised concerns about the issue in the House of Commons.

Baker, who represents constituencies with significant Nepali populations such as Aldershot and Farnborough, and chairs the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Nepal, highlighted the devastating floods that ravaged various parts of the country including the capital city Kathmandu last year, which claimed over 200 lives. She questioned the British government’s efforts in assisting Nepal, a long-standing partner of the UK, in combating climate change.

“Nepal is at the sharp end of dealing with climate change. Late last year, we saw 200 deaths from floods in Kathmandu,” Baker said in the House. “What is this government doing to support this nation that has been a partner and a friend to the UK over many years?”

Foreign Secretary David Lammy responded to Baker by reaffirming the UK government’s commitment to supporting Nepal. Lammy stated that the UK had provided 38.5 million Pounds (approximately Rs6.5 billion) to help Nepal address the impacts of climate change and implement resilience-building programs. Additionally, he announced an upcoming aid package of £58 million (approximately Rs 10 billion) over the next eight years for development initiatives aimed at mitigating climate change effects.

“We announced a 38.5 million Pounds resilience, adaptation and inclusion programme so that Nepal could deal with a disaster risk, and that follows 58.5 million Pounds in terms of climate-smart development over an eight-year programme,” Lammy said. “Our relationship with Nepal, particularly on the climate issue, is essential and very important.”

The discussion follows Baker’s visit to the Nepalese Embassy in London a day earlier, where she met with senior Nepali Congress leader Shekhar Koirala and Acting Ambassador Bipin Duwadi. Koirala has been in London for the last couple of days. During the meeting, embassy officials requested Baker’s support in raising issues such as climate change and the concerns of former Gurkha soldiers in Parliament.