I am writing this letter as news is coming in of the deaths of 600, or more, economic migrants (more accurately, refugees from wars), drowned in the Mediterranean, attempting to cross from Africa to Europe.

Whatever one’s views on the wider immigration, and political issues, no country can stand aside in the face of thousands of desperate human beings dying in these circumstances.

Last year the British Government, with others, withdrew their support for the Mare Nostrum operation, that actively prevented untold deaths, on the basis, they said, that it encouraged more people to attempt the crossing to Europe.

It is a fact that numbers have increased.

Italy, and humanitarian groups, now stand alone, in search and rescue operations.

On behalf of my 4,700 Unison members in Brighton and Hove, I am publicly asking all the parliamentary candidates to commit to restoring UK support (Royal Navy, finance and supplies) as soon as possible to the Italian Government.

My branch will also be making a donation to one of the humanitarian groups.

It may be a far off problem, which some will say does not concern us in this city, but we are a proud and caring people who respond generously to all sorts of disasters.

The scale of this requires intervention by Governments and Unison calls on the UK and the European Union to immediately resume its rescue operation.

To do nothing, is to accept the deaths of men, women and children, innocent victims fleeing war and seeking sanctuary and safety – someone needs to do something, and our city can be at the forefront of that action.

Alex Knutsen UNISON Branch Secretary Town Hall, Brighton