Poverty plea to G8 leaders

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With the G8 Summit at Gleneagles just weeks away, Perth campaigners have urged the world’s most powerful leaders to Make Poverty History, writes Dave Lord.

Representatives from a range of charities, churches and political parties converged on the Fair City to spell out their message for Blair, Bush and friends.

“Make Poverty History is a coalition of over 400 different organisations calling for trade justice, debt cancellation and aid for the world poorest countries,” explained local campaigner and group convenor Marjorie Clark.
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“A child dies due to poverty every three seconds — it is imperative that those with power do something to change this statistic.”

On Saturday July 2 more than 100,000 campaigners from all over the UK will be in Edinburgh for the Make Poverty History rally.

Perth organisations — including Christian Aid, Save the Children, the World Development Movement and Oxfam — are set for the event and hope it will make those inside Gleneagles sit up and take notice.

“We expect this to be both a safe and inspiring event, with the full co-operation of the local police and city council,” said Marjorie.

On the day itself people wearing white will form a huge human band around the centre of Edinburgh.

They will also tie messages written on white cloth to giant Make Poverty History letters which will then be transported to Gleneagles.

“We are looking forward to a family friendly day with a serious message,” Marjorie continued.

“It will be eight hours out of our lives but it could change eight minds and transform 800 million lives.”

Perth politicians Pete Wishart MP and Roseanna Cunningham MSP joined Perth campaigners in their call for debt cancellation and improved aid.

Ms Cunningham said, “These are the people who have the power to take the decisions that really can make poverty history.

“Decisions taken in Perthshire in July will have a direct impact on the ability of countries to deal with the problems they face.”

Ms Cunningham called for locals to unite behind the aims of Make Poverty History.

Meanwhile, Mr Wishart commented, “Every single day 30,000 children are dying as a result of extreme poverty.

“This year we have the resources, knowledge and opportunity to end this shameful situation and the G8 Summit is the ideal setting for reinforcing our campaign.

“It is essential world leaders are made to take responsibility in ensuring the eradication of world poverty,” the MP for Perth and North Perthshire continued.

“I know that as the G8 Summit comes nearer the campaign will be to the fore of the political agenda.”

For further information about the rally and details of the Perth bus, call 01738 643982.

There will also be a public meeting about Make Poverty History at Brennan’s Bar, St John’s Street, Perth, on Tuesday May 24 at 7.30 pm.