LIVE 8 concerts a triumph as world looks to G8 for results (Birmingham Liberal Democrats)

Birmingham Liberal Democrats <info@birminghamlibdems.org.uk>

LIVE 8 concerts a triumph as world looks to G8 for results

July 4, 2005 9:00 AM

Ahead of the Gleneagles summit, which begins on Wednesday, campaigners have told world leaders that they must act to end the 'unjust absurdity of extreme poverty' in Africa. Led by Sir Bob Geldof, a plethora of pop stars, church leaders and politicians have called for action on trade, aid and debt. Their hopes to influence the leaders of the G8 are grounded on the extraordinary groundswell of popular unity generated by the weekend's Live8 concerts. 200,000 people watched the concert in Hyde Park this weekend. They were joined by hundreds of thousands of people attending other Live8 concerts in cities across the globe. Approximately 200,000 strong marched through Edinburgh in a mass rally calling for debt relief and increased aid.

Meanwhile, US President George W Bush has made it clear that America will reject any proposals to deal with climate change by cutting emissions. 'If this looks like Kyoto, the answer is no', he said in an interview with ITV's Tonight With Trevor McDonald, to be broadcast this evening. However, he did make important concessions on the issue, saying that the issue is one 'we've got deal with' and that human activity was 'to some extent' to blame.' But with the President clearly opposed to the idealism of the Live8 concerts, it remains to be seen how much the other G8 members will be able to extract from the leader of the free world.

Andrew George, Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary, speaking at the Make Poverty History rally in Edinburgh said "Millions of Britons have demonstrated their passion to achieve a better deal for the poorest people in the poorest countries on this globe, by buying wristbands, sending a text for Live8 or joining thousands across the country in rallies and concerts on Saturday. The primary focus now should be the leaders of the eight richest countries in the world who will be meeting in Gleneagles. But if everyone who supports this campaign uses their powers as consumers to demand reassurance from major food chains that their purchases won't undermine the welfare of those we are seeking to help, that could achieve even more. The vast majority of consumers simply don't know whether their choice of bananas, coffee, fruit and vegetables from African, Asian, Latin American countries, will guarantee the farmers and workers adequate conditions of service and income. Make Poverty History campaigners should demand transparency from their supermarkets and claims made by retailers should be independently audited.