THE election campaign has served to shine a spotlight on the problems which are close to home for the British people.

There are key issues with huge implications for our nation and they should not be underestimated. They include the impact of prolonged austerity on our public services; the ever-growing challenge of how to cover the costs of the NHS; and the mounting debt facing the younger generation who are paying tuition fees.

But it takes something on the scale of the natural disaster which has hit Nepal in the past few days to put our own problems into perspective.

Around 4,000 people are dead, with at least 7,000 people injured. Whole villages have been buried beneath tons of debris. No one really knows how many people remain trapped. Vast tented communities have sprung up as survivors try to cope with the devastation. Water, food and electricity are in short supply.

It is a tragedy on a scale beyond our comprehension and it requires a global response.

It is times like this when the importance of foreign aid is underlined and Britain has a proud track record in supporting other countries in times of need.

So far we have sent an eight-strong humanitarian team and £5m in aid. With the need certain to rise in the days ahead, we have to be prepared for that to be just an initial contribution. More will be needed and, as well as its direct contribution, Britain must galvanise more countries to be part of the relief effort.

Nepal is in desperate need of help – and we can all play a part in showing that we care.