Actress Gillian Anderson, who played Margaret Thatcher in The Crown, is among high-profile supporters of the campaign.

       Appeals were broadcast on television on Wednesday. The Disasters Emergency Committee Afghanistan Crisis Appeal is raising funds to urgently respond to conflict, economic collapse, drought, famine and Covid-19 in the country.

       Donations from the public will be matched pound-for-pound by the Government - up to a total of ￡10million. DEC charities, including the International Rescue Committee UK, British Red Cross, Save the Children and Cafod, say action is needed to help eight million at risk of starvation over winter. A million children under five are under threat too.

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       Ms Anderson said: "Women and girls in Afghanistan are going through pregnancy and labour in unimaginable conditions without a home or enough food to eat, and with the healthcare system falling apart.

       "Hospitals are having to close due to a lack of supplies and medics. Newborn babies are already dying from malnutrition.

       "DEC member charities are working on the ground in Afghanistan to help. Please donate what you can to give life-saving help this winter."

       DEC chief executive Saleh Saeed said: "The situation is beyond horrific - we can't just sit back and watch."