Mitchell calls for help for civilians in the Congo

Andrew Mitchell has warned that the resumption of fighting in the Democratic Republic of Congo would have a "catastrophic effect" on the 65,000 innocent civilians caught up in the conflict.

The Shadow International Development Secretary, who has just visited Goma in the east of the country, stressed, "There are 65,000 people in Kibati camp for displaced people - predominantly women and children - who are today sandwiched between the two military front lines with heavy artillery, which I saw dug into the hillside."

And he warned that if the ceasefire breaks, these 65,000 could stampede into Goma, with disastrous consequences:

"Every practical step possible must be taken to protect these people who today are terrifyingly exposed."