Spain, Norway and Luxembourg have together donated less money to the global fight against Ebola than Ikea, according to the United Nations.

It said the three European countries have committed less than €3.2m, in comparison to a donation of €5.3m from the Swedish furniture seller. Britain has given €157m and Ireland €16m.

The British Labour Party has demanded that countries not meeting their responsibilities be named, while British Prime Minister David Cameron has written to 27 European leaders telling them to "step up" donations.

Western governments have come under pressure over their response to the crisis in West Africa, which has killed more than 4,500 people.

Irish Independent