KENNEDY VOWS TO MAKE POVERTY HISTORY

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Sun 24th Apr 2005

Charles Kennedy, Leader of the Liberal Democrats, will today give the backing of his Party to the Make Poverty History campaign. During a speech in South-West London, Mr Kennedy will say:

"Britain is a wealthy country, a prosperous country. It is the duty of countries such of ours, with the means to help, to take action to make poverty history. The world's conscience is stirred by the horror of war or the tragedy of a natural disaster. It should be stirred, too, by poverty and deprivation and lack of opportunity.

"It is not only the right thing to do, it is in our national interest too.

In an increasingly inter-connected world, problems - and responsibilities - have become internationalised. Only strong and concerted action by states in partnership will achieve sustainable development.

"The UN Millennium Development Goals represent clear benchmarks for progress. But for too long the rhetoric of the international community has not been matched by delivery. And for too long, Britain has been slow to match our international responsibilities with action and resources.

"The Liberal Democrats would ensure that Britain met the 0.7% target by 2011 at the latest - and reach 0.5% in less than three years. And we would work vigorously to convince our EU and G8 allies to meet the UN target.

"We need not only to increase aid, but to make it more effective. First, aid needs to be more predictable. Policy changes of donor countries, fluctuating cash-flows and unmet commitments, have undermined development programmes and hindered planning.

"Second, more aid should be targeted towards basic social services - primary health care and basic education. Third, we need to improve the coordination between donor countries and development organisations to reduce the duplication of assistance."

"If we are serious about debt relief there is no point in half measures.

Cancellation of one hundred per cent of the debt for the world's poorest countries could make a real difference.

"And while we in the West continue to jealously protect our own markets, who are we to preach to developing countries about opening up their markets? We must break down the tariff and quota barriers, and the subsidies, that prevent poor states competing on fair terms, and end the dumping of subsidized goods in developing countries.

"In many countries the most immediate threat to their societies is the rampant spread of the AIDS virus. This epidemic is devastating whole generations. Action on HIV/AIDS has been disgracefully slow, and resources are still inadequate. We need a fully-funded timetable for universal access to comprehensive care and treatment. And we need to prioritise the promotion of education about HIV and advice on prevention.

"I believe the British people are a fundamentally liberal people - outward looking and optimistic - tolerant and generous. The people of this country - and the response to the Asian Tsunami proved this - are aware of their membership of the wider global community and want to be proud of the actions of their Government on the international stage.

"The challenge for the political parties in Britain is to put their hopes into action. And the challenge for the international community is to finally Make Poverty History."

ENDS