[UK] City MP Barrett helps launch Bill to tackle global poverty

From The Scotsman

EDINBURGH West MP John Barrett has helped launch a new Westminster move to ensure Britain provides more cash to tackle Third World poverty.

The Liberal Democrat is one of the sponsors of the new International Development (Reporting and Transparency) Bill published yesterday.

It was introduced by former Labour minister and fellow Scots MP Tom Clarke.

Speaking at the launch of the Bill, Mr Barrett expressed his hope that it would help hold the Government to account on key pledges to tackle poverty.

He said: "When 200,000 people marched through Edinburgh in June 2005, they were calling for their politicians to take action to end poverty across the world.

"This Bill will help hold the Government to account and ensure that the UK delivers on the promises made at Gleneagles.

"It is absolutely critical that wealthier countries deliver on their end of the bargain - more and more effective aid, more sustainable debt relief and fairer trade rules - well in advance of 2015.

"I will be fighting to ensure this Bill makes it's way through successfully through Parliament," he added.