UK to contribute 7 bln pounds to Ireland rescue-BBC

LONDON, Nov 21 (Reuters) - Britain will provide about 7 billion pounds ($11 billion) in aid to Ireland, the BBC reported on Sunday, after Dublin's request for a rescue package from international lenders was accepted by European institutions.

The sum includes British bilateral contributions to Ireland, which is struggling to shore up its banking system, and contributions to a rescue package coordination by the European Central Bank, International Monetary Fund and the European Commission.

The BBC reported that the government wanted to help a 'friend in need'.

(Reporting by Mohammed Abbas; Editing by Janet Lawrence) ($1=.6257 Pound) Keywords: IRELAND/BRITAIN AID ([e-mail], [phone]; Reuters Messaging: [e-mail]) COPYRIGHT Copyright Thomson Reuters 2010. All rights reserved. The copying, republication or redistribution of Reuters News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Thomson Reuters.