Stunell calls for G8 action on poverty

2.22.29pm UTC (GMT +0000) Tue 5th Jun 2007

Ahead of the G8 summit this Wednesday, 6th June, Andrew Stunell MP has called on Tony Blair and the other G8 leaders to take urgent action to end global poverty and avert potentially catastrophic climate change.

Hazel Grove MP, Mr Stunell commented on need for progress, saying:

"A terrifying 1.2 billion people still struggle to survive on less than $1 a day. The G8 member states must live up to their commitments to eradicate poverty and tackle climate change.

"I am demanding that the UK government takes stronger action and uses its influence in Europe and the G8.

"Hundreds of local people have contacted me in support of the Make Poverty History Campaign.

"The promises that have been kept have changed millions of lives. But most of these promises are at serious risk of being broken, which is a disgrace."

Matt Phillips, Head of Campaigns at Save the Children, congratulated Mr Stunell on his support, commenting:

"It's critical MPs back this campaign - words mean nothing without action. Rich countries must act, the world can't wait." ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. For further information on the campaign and to find out how to get involved please go to www.yourvoiceagainstpoverty.org.uk

2. Mr Stunell has supported the following motion to Parliament:

That this House welcomes the Government's leadership at the G8 summit in Gleneagles in 2005; notes with concern that at the halfway point of the Millennium Development Goals the world is off-track to meet the key targets on eradicating poverty by 2015; notes the continued public mandate for urgent political action to end poverty and climate chaos; calls on the 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 and address its impact; and calls on the Government, Europe and the G8 to acknowledge that the world can't wait to make poverty history.