Sussex MPs demand action to end world poverty

from The Argus

By Andy Tate

Seven Sussex MPs have demanded urgent action to end global poverty and tackle climate change.

The MPs have signed a Parliamentary motion, ahead of next month's G8 summit in Germany, pressing the leaders of the world's richest countries to deliver on their promises on aid, debt cancellation and fair trade.

In 2005, at a previous summit in Gleneagles, Scotland, world leaders made a series of pledges which, if fulfilled, would help millions escape extreme poverty.

Two years on, 1.2 billion people still struggle to survive on less than $1 a day. Anti-poverty campaigners are warning that without urgent action most of the promises are at risk of being broken.

They say it is vital that leaders attending the Germany G8 summit, which starts on June 6, not only reaffirm existing targets but make further, far-reaching commitments.

The Commons early day motion, signed by a total of 231 MPs, reads: "At the halfway point of the Millennium Development Goals the world is off-track to meet the key targets on eradicating poverty by 2015."

It notes the "continued public mandate for urgent political action to end poverty and climate chaos".

And it calls on the British Government "to use its influence in Europe and within the G8 to ensure debt cancellation and more and better aid, trade justice, healthcare, education, water and sanitation for all, and firm plans to prevent catastrophic climate change".

It adds: "The world can't wait to make poverty history."

The Sussex MPs who have signed the motion are David Lepper (Brighton Pavilion), Peter Bottomley (West Worthing), Laura Moffatt (Crawley), Des Turner (Brighton Kemptown), Norman Baker (Lewes), Nigel Waterson (Eastbourne) and Nicholas Soames (Mid Sussex).

More than 90 campaigning organisations in the UK have joined forces to organise a mass anti-poverty rally in central London on Saturday (June 2) to remind G8 leaders they are being watched.

Mr Lepper said: "It is imperative that the G8 member states live up to their commitments to eradicate poverty and tackle climate change, so I will be urging the UK government to take stronger action and use its influence in Europe and the G8.

"I will also be encouraging my constituents and their friends and families to sign up to the campaign and to travel to London on June 2 to ensure that their voices are heard in the fight against poverty."

Matt Phillips, head of campaigns at Save the Children, said: "It's critical MPs back this campaign - words mean nothing without action. 2005 saw a huge public mandate for dramatic action to make poverty history. But we need more urgency because children are missing out on healthcare and education. Rich countries must act, the world can't wait."