I have been very saddened to hear of the tragic loss of life caused by the tornadoes that have hit the US states of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio, Alabama, Tennessee, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas and Georgia in recent days.
My thoughts go out to all those who have been affected, and particularly to the families and friends of those who have lost their lives. I would also like to pay tribute to the efforts of the emergency services, who have been working hard to save lives in difficult conditions.
