4 February 2005
Thank you for taking the trouble to write to me about the Make Poverty History campaign. I know this is a cause of great importance to many people and I can promise that the Government understands why.
I very much share your view that 2005 is a year of real opportunity for tackling global poverty. Through our Presidencies of the G8 and the European Union, the UK has the chance to give fresh impetus to the global push to tackle extreme poverty by increasing aid, more debt relief, fairer trade and action to reduce conflict and improve governance.
Last year, I set up the Commission for Africa to take a fresh look at Africa’s development. I believe we need a partnership between African governments and those of the developed world. The Commission reported in March, and its recommendations will inform the G8 discussions at Gleneagles in July. The G8 will be expected to agree a comprehensive set of concrete actions on Africa to which they can be held to account.
I fully recognise that this means more resources. You may know that from 1st April Britain dramatically increased its bilateral aid to Africa to £1 billion per year. Of course money alone is not the answer. It has to be part of a package, including action to improve governance, reduce conflict and build the capacity of African countries. The Commission for Africa Report proposes measures to further strengthen African peacekeeping and initiatives to tackle corruption and increase transparency. But extra resources are essential for real progress.
Already, through the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative, over US$70 billion in debt relief has been agreed for countries that have demonstrated their commitment to poverty reduction. Together with our G7 colleagues, we are going beyond the requirements of the HIPC Initiative, by writing off 100 per cent of all bilateral debts for HIPC countries. But Britain is going further by taking a lead role on 100% multilateral debt relief and a firm pledge to pay our share of the debt service owed by low-income countries to the World Bank and the African Development Bank. We have pressed other G8 members to follow our lead.
Agreement to increase access to our markets for poor countries; real cuts in OECD agricultural subsidies; recognition that trade liberalisation in poorer countries must be managed so it helps and not hinders their progress towards tackling poverty;and for concrete action to build the economic capacity of poor countries.
I know, from letters like yours, how much it matters to the people of this country - and also how vital it is for millions of people across the world still living in abject poverty. My speech, on returning to Downing Street on 6 May, referred to how important it is for the Government to seize every opportunity throughout this year to push the plight of the poorest countries on earth to the top of the international agenda and, through our example and influence, make 2005 a year in which we begin to make poverty history.
Yours ever,
Tony Blair
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