In July 2006, on the eve of the G8 summit in Russia, Oxfam delivered to 10 Downing Street messages from of 86,000 people who had called on Tony Blair via this website to keep the promises he and other G8 leaders made at the 2005 summit in Gleneagles.
Before setting off for St Petersburg the Prime Minister responded with a letter to Oxfam which personally addresses the campaigners who took the time to express their concern. So thanks for taking the trouble. Every step you take makes a difference - and your voice is being heard.
Read Tony Blair's response below. You can also tell us what you think about his letter using the form at the foot of the letter.
Dear Barbara,
I want to respond to the points raised by your web based campaign to demand that promises made at Gleneagles last year are kept. I would be grateful if you would post this response on your web page for all your supporters to read.
The UK remains committed to the fight against poverty and is making every effort to ensure that commitments made at the Gleneagles Summit last year are fulfilled by the UK and its other G8 partners. I would like to take this opportunity to explain what we are doing in regards to the three main areas of concern highlighted on your website.
The UK remains fully committed to achieveing an ambitious, pro-development outcome to the Doha Development Agenda (DDA) by the end of the year. This is key to boosting global prosperity and can make significant contribution to achieving the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). I am disappointed by progress so far and will be working hard to break the log-jam in the coming weeks and months. I believe the DDA must include adequate and effective flexibility for developing countries to allow them to decided their trade reforms in line with their development and poverty reduction strategies. It must include substantial agricultural market access and significantly reduce trade distorting subsidies. But not all countries will automatically benefit from new trading opportunities. That is why we also support a "development package", which will deliver short term changes to trade rules, medium term adjustment measures, and new aid to help build the capacity to trade.
Last November, the UK announced that it would treble its support to 100 million pounds a year by 2010 to help poor countries boost their exports to the rest of the world. In December 2005, G7 Finance Ministers stated that expenditure on aid for trade is expected to increase to 4 billion dollars including through enhancing the Integrated Framework. In the context of their shared commitment to double aid for Africa by 2010, agreement was reached to give priority to the infrastructure necessary to allow countries to take advantage of the improved opportunities to trade.
I have also noted your comments regarding the International Arms Trade Treaty. I fully support an International Treaty on the Arms Trade. The UK is now working to convince the international community that such an agreement is needed to ensure the end to the irresponsible and unregulated trade in arms which inflicts misery on millions in some of the world's poorest and most vulnerable nations.
We are not working alone. The G8 agreed at Gleneagles in July 2005 that the "development of international standards in arms transfers... would be an important step towards tackling the undesirable proliferation of conventional arms". Since then the European Union (3 October 2005) and the Commonwealth (27 November 2005) have called for work to begin in the UN on a treaty to establish standards for the global trade in arms. We hope initial discussions will be launched in the UN later in 2006.
I agree that we need to make sure that promises of aid are turned into real money for teachers, nurses and doctors.
The UK Government is playing its part. We increased aid to Africa by 22% last year, to over 1 billion pounds for the first time ever. The UK has increase aid by 140% in real terms since 1997. we are on track to achieve our 0.7% target by 2013.
We are also taking forward various innovative financing mechanisms to ensure that aid is increased as quickly as possible. Along with a number of other countries, Gordon Brown has launched the International Finance Facility for Immunisation. It will speed up 4 billion dollars of aid to help save five million children's lives before 2015. The first IFFIm bonds will go on sale this year.
As your campaign acknowledges, debt relief brings real benefits to developing countries. As a result of debt relief, Zambia has made healthcare free for millions of its poorest citizens, and Uganda was able to make primary education free and more than double the number of children in school. Nigeria is now developing poverty reduction programmes that will be funded from the annual debt interest savings of at least 1 billion dollars, employing an extra 120,000 teachers and sending 3.5 million children back to school.
On 10 April 2006, in Mozambique, the Chancellor and Hilary Benn committed 8.5 billion pounds of assistance to fund ten year education plans, locking in the long-term commitment vital to delivering high quality education for all. This includes immediate capacity funding, to help African and other developing countries draw up their ten year plans.
On 22 May, in Abuja, at the Financing for Development Conference, 22 African Ministers came forward and expressed interest in developing the year plans for which they will seek long term funding. Progress on the preparation of these plans will be reported at the annual IMF/World Bank meetings in September. We continue to urge other donors to increase their support for education.
Let me outline some other key issues too. The Polio Eradication Initiative is on-track to end polio transmission
in all countries except Nigeria by the end of 2006, though extra international funding is still needed to eradicate polio fully.
The G8 agreed that we should aim to provide universal treatment for all AIDS sufferers by 2010. The UN has now agreed that every developing country should produce a plan for delivering on this promise and that no good plan should go unfunded.
On corruption, we have ratified the UN Convention Against Corruption which came into force in December. We are taking action to enforce this. We are implementing the recommendation of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Africa, to set up a dedicated unit - joining up the Met and City of London Polic with other key agencies and departments - to deal with international corruption, and ensure that allegations of bribery and money laundering are properly investigated.
On peace and security, over 20,000 peacekeeping troops have been trained since the 2004 G8 pledge to train 75,000 by 2010. We have been training Rwandan troops in Kenya, who are now protecting refugees in Darfur.
However more remains to be done if we are to achieve the Millennium Development Goals by 2015. That is why I have announced the creation of a new Africa Progress Panel, to encourage and measure progress and ensure that Africa remains at the top pof the international agenda. The panel will be chaired by UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. It will also include President Obasanjo of Nigeria, Bob Geldof, children's rights campaigner Graca Machel and Peter Eigen who found the anti-corruption organisation, Transparency International.
So, I am not claiming that we have yet achieved everything agreed at Gleneagles. I do, however, believe that we
have made real progress on delivering on these commitments. I also know that, without your thousands of supporters, getting these agreements would have been much more difficult. That's why it is important for you to keep up the pressure on the international community to continue the work to Make Poverty History,
TONY BLAIR
Comments
I agree with many other opinions on this matter - that Tony Blair is basically just 'talking the talk'. All this talk is costing millions of lives. Never mind about what will be happening in years to come - it appears to me that the politicians are all far too busy talking about it and not going very far!
Just get on with it!!!
Lisa Smith | March 13, 2007 6:42 PM > What do you think?
We have to assume that what Tony Blair says is genuine - if we are always cynical and doubting then we might as well give up trying to achieve anything;and he admits that he is far from satisfied with what has happened so far since Gleneagles.
I agree totally with those who feel that there is insuffucient involvement by the general public in the UK - only 86,000 petitioners to the PM from a pop.of 60 mill. and the lack of even the small sum per head which could be given on a regular basis necessary to eradicate so much real poverty in the world. It is not only politicians and statesmen who need to act.
At the same time, I agree also with those who say that insufficient pressure is being put on those leaders of poor countries who are greedy and uncaring about their people. Here, the world's statesmen MUST act.
Wendy Long | March 1, 2007 5:06 PM > What do you think?
The Prime Miister speaks as usual with forked tongue. While he claims to be doing so much, Mandelson in the EU is forcing bilateral trade agreements on to third world countries, which are against their interests. He does the same thing with GM, making out that the EU is responsible.
Dr. Peter Foreman, FIEE. | February 27, 2007 3:01 PM > What do you think?
No mention of getting the EU to abolish these iniquitous EPAs.
Jonathan Cox | February 25, 2007 2:16 PM > What do you think?
I think this is encouraging, and hope he doesn't compromise these plans when attention is diverted.
I feel there needs to be a greater outcry regarding the abstinence programmes. A woman who diligently follows this advice is not protected from HIV if her husband was does not also comply.
That we have increased aid to the victims of Aids is nothing to be proud of when we deny condoms that could stop the spread. According to ‘The Independent’ rates are increasing. We would not ask westerners to simply abstain. We know it costs lives, we are just providing them with a more comfortable bed. Why do we accept this?
Jenny | February 23, 2007 6:48 PM > What do you think?
Go go Tony Blair!
stacey hancock | February 23, 2007 5:47 PM > What do you think?
There is no point giving money to countries like Zimbabwe when the government is corrupt and not even democratically elected. Greedy Dictators like Mugabe need to be ousted before poverty can be addressed. Where is all the campaigning for democracy gone since all that pressure was put on South Africa? I grew up and lived there for 33 years and have been back many times in the last 7 years and it looks to me like the poverty is worse. Plus the situation in Zimbabwe is creating a massive illegal immigration problem for South Africa and adding to the already escalating incidence of crime. POVERTY FUELS CRIME!
Susan Stanton | February 23, 2007 3:24 PM > What do you think?
Originally from South Africa, all that happened at G8 and since then has always been of interest to me. I feel the more people that are involved in fighting poverty and sickness for the poorer countries, the sooner something can be done for them. I would very much like to become a campaigner if I can assisting and offering my legal knowledge and living in SOuth Africa to those that could benefit. 'I'M IN' and I appreciate what Tony Blair is doing. He is a real person despite what people say
Lara van der Merwe | February 23, 2007 1:57 PM > What do you think?
Coming from South Africa the comments and what has transpired since G8
Lara van der Merwe | February 23, 2007 1:53 PM > What do you think?
Keep up the good work Oxfam it is getting results. We are pensioners and pay £2 a month to help Oxfam help others - wouldn't it be great if everyone contributed - what a difference it would make. I think Tony Blair has done a lot to help poor countries which is one of the better things in 'his reign'.
DodieJ | February 23, 2007 12:26 PM > What do you think?
I agree with okeimute ohre. Promises are like piecrust (as the saying goes): easily broken. Why does it all have to take so long?
Laura Coates | February 18, 2007 9:32 PM > What do you think?
Tony Blair is all talk and no action.Even as children we are tired of this man's false promises. And I sincerely doubt that he took the time to construct the letter. We are not here to make his job easier, but to reinforce the fact that great power comes with great responsibility. It's time Tony accepted his.
emma | February 17, 2007 2:25 PM > What do you think?
I believe Tony does care and is making progress in many areas concerning world poverty, yes its slow going, I'm sure he wishes he had a magic wand sometimes. Keep the pressure up yes, and how about some congratulations for the successes so far and encouragement to do more. I for one would like to offer my thanks for all the work he has done so far, I don't think he gets everything right as Prime Minister but in my opinion he has done a lot more than any other PM in the past 50 years or so.
Roland Hodson | February 16, 2007 6:08 PM > What do you think?
I think Tony Blair needs to worry less abotu being Bush's best friend and worry more about poverty. I had faith in Blair when he was elected i just wish he had made this country proud it saddens me that he leaves on such a low!
Hayley Mills | January 25, 2007 10:46 AM > What do you think?
I am reminded of the story about the thousands of starfish washed up on the beach. When asked why he was picking them up to throw back in a man said "I want to make a difference!" So his interrogator demanded why, there were so many, he could surely make so little difference.
I like being on the beach and I particularly like being there with Oxfam and anyone else who will be there too. Politicians as individuals are all so unimportant to the starfish ... Tony will be soon gone but we will still be on the beach, still picking up starfish and chucking them back in. Individuals we are faced with are our responsibility, others we do not know cannot be much influenced. Politics is about us, politicians change too regularly to have time to be on the beach.
Thank you and hello to all you beautiful strangers on the beach with me, campaigning to end poverty.
As the man said as he released one more lucky creature into the waves: "It made a difference to that one!"
simon the hat | January 5, 2007 1:41 PM > What do you think?
Mr.Blair has proven his philanthropic traits in his response.There should be equitable distribution for that aid based on population of a nation and demographic profiles if such help is to percolate the poors of the globe.
DR.S.R.DESAI | December 16, 2006 1:27 PM > What do you think?
Grand Gestures are fine, what everyone needs to realise is that we ALL have a responsibility to make changes. If we believe that it is only our leaders that can make a change then changes will take for ever.
Meyerson 2001 cited in DH 2004: "making a difference in small but steady ways and setting examples from which others can learn. Like drops of water, these approaches are innocuous enough in themselves. But over time and in accumulation, they can erode granite".
For instance donating £2 a month does not sound much but if everyone who was earning a wage did it think how much that would make a year..
Leonore, District Nurse | November 28, 2006 8:49 PM > What do you think?
In our country, Zambia, it is not possible to achieve MDGs by 2015. The poverty rate is very high - 68% this year - and there is a high number for the women who work on the streets.
Janet Banda | November 17, 2006 11:58 AM > What do you think?
At least they're doing something, they could be doing nothing. Nothing happens instantly, especially when there are suits making the decisions.
Sally | September 26, 2006 9:12 PM > What do you think?
Why is it that Tony Blair only ever promises to have achieved things by 2010? Millions of unnecessary deaths will have occurred by then.
Moya | September 24, 2006 7:25 PM > What do you think?
I am tempted to think of this letter as just more rhetoric and reading the many opinions on this page, there are many others who believe that. However, at least it is a recognition of the commitment of thousands of people and with an organisation like Oxfam leading the campaign, we can continue to keep the pressure up in large numbers. It is interesting that those who comment that nothing or little has changed, still wrote to this page, still took the time to read the letter and respond. That's what makes this campaign work - whatever our perceptions of progress so far we must believe that greater change can and will happen! I'm In!
Maree Berechree | September 21, 2006 8:57 PM > What do you think?
Poverty is a disaster and it is a human right violation. I would like Tony Blair to know that many people in Africa in particular and in the world in general are victims of extreme poverty. Please I am inviting Tony Blair to act actively so that poverty can be ended with force.
ROBERT KABEMBA MANGIDI | September 20, 2006 5:54 PM > What do you think?
Probably just another response from Blair's vast array of secretaries. Blair probably isn't even aware that this letter exists and more importantly doesn't give two stuffs!
PatG | September 19, 2006 9:36 AM > What do you think?
Some fair comments from both sides. True, Mr. Blair needs to take some sort of advantageous political kudos from these comments. However, he is also laying himself on the line, (from I optomictically hope, an honest compassionate concern) by making himself accountable to us. He HAS campagined on these issues, achieved measured success on specific goals, and has made the commitment, with others in Governments and on the international scene.
What you all seem to miss is not the government work, or lack of, but the blantent, unashamed, cold, callous and simple profit-orrintated powerful cooperations, multi-nationals, etc. Arms dealers, pharasuticals, contractors: these are the people you might want to research, to uncover, and to bring to accountability and justice... Anyone facny it? Politicians are at least governed by rule and democracy, and are in the public domain. Easy targets really.
If you're all serious about fighting injustice, transforming lives, ending poverty and making a difference, lets all care, know, bother and act.
John Griffiths | September 18, 2006 8:59 PM > What do you think?
My response is very mixed. I do believe that Blair and Brown have a commitment to the eradication of poverty in Africa, but am far from sure that this is effectively translated into a recognition that, if there is truly to be change and justice in trade, then the wealthy nations will need to give up some privileges - and that may be a very different matter.
I am also concerned that some of the impetus may have gone out of the whole Make Poverty History movement, and so hope that all the organisations which worked together under this "umbrella" will keep up the campaigning work,and that the imagination of the public can be re-captured, as unless we keep up the pressure I fear the politicians will let this go lower down their agendas. Several hundred of us marched past the Treasury on 14 September, as part of a big Trade Justice event organised by Christian Aid, but it was hundreds and not thousands, and yet this is an absolutely crucial issue.
Hilary | September 18, 2006 8:24 PM > What do you think?
Let's dig a water well for everyone in the Third World. A water well costs just 2,000 pounds, provides enough water for 50,000 people, quadruples food supplies,and brings Birth Rates down to Western Levels within three months (The Buxton Gap). Go for it Tony!
Andy Kadir-Buxton | September 18, 2006 5:34 PM > What do you think?
I'm glad he's talking about Sudan.
Andy E | September 18, 2006 3:46 PM > What do you think?
Good on Tony for promising to keep to his word and help eradicate poverty. For all those who are worried that this all sounds too good to be true or that you cannot trust him (or any PM for that matter) then I have one thing to say.
It's down to you!!
The only reason governments get away with not doing things is because when they don't, nothing happens.
If we make sure that Tony and who ever is in charge remembers that we want an end to this suffering by keeping our voices heard through letters and campains and peaceful protest then they won't be able to forget, or brush it under the table and we can all work towards a unified world at peace with one another.
ellie | September 16, 2006 3:32 PM > What do you think?
Many people have been working and lobbying for many years for more humanity and compassion to be shown to those less privileged than ourselves. Governments clearly have a responsibility to act on our behalf they are after all 'our government' - whether we like it or not.
In my opinion Tony Blair has made a reasonable response to 'our' demands - that is not to say he could/should not do more. I don't want to curb enthusiam for the fight against world poverty but 86,000 signatures from a population of 60m people in the UK...
Yes, it is we that have to do more by making and holding our government.... and charties, accountable.
John | September 16, 2006 8:12 AM > What do you think?
I think Tony Blair has done a great deal to overcome lots of problems. I think he's done good things to eliminate terrorism too. Think one day on your doorstep someone trying to make you to believe what ever they want you too!!! I think he shouldn't go but should continue his job and serve for many years to come...
Gladiater | September 14, 2006 1:33 AM > What do you think?
Why am I feeling like these words don't mean anything? So much has been said in the past and nothing has happened. Yes, i would love to think something will happen in the immediate future, but I will believe it when i see it happen. Politicians are not people to be trusted in my books. More action more action more action.
Becky | September 13, 2006 6:30 PM > What do you think?
Politicians are very good at sounding good, but until the resultant actions to ensure arms trade and poverty etc are in a visible state of being properly dealt with, then the words won't mean anything, and I appeal for politicians to take real responsibility as peoples lives are so much more valuable that rhetoric and lies.
heather charnley | September 10, 2006 7:08 PM > What do you think?
That's my man! Blair forever!
diane | September 5, 2006 4:40 PM > What do you think?
It's very sad that I should think this, but this is still a typical political response despite what it says. Tony Blair does know what he is saying, but whatever they say, a politician always bears in mind how good their statement will sound. I hope that he is telling the truth as he sees it, but I have to confess that I will only believe that he has done his utmost when world poverty does eventually cease to exist. As this will not happen for a long, long time, we must keep up the pressure on him until it does happen, and he must keep up the pressure on the international community. Remember too, poverty does not just exist in Africa, we also have to work for the benefit of countries that we may not agree with politically or religiously in other parts of the world as well, especially where our country has played a large part in causing that povery in the first place.
Sue | September 2, 2006 9:59 PM > What do you think?
After that huge campaign on making poverty history hardly anything has happened and that is disappointing, but it can not happen overnight. I think that we have to believe that they are doing the best they can. However long it is taking.
Though every three seconds of delay someone is dying through the result of poverty. Let's keep the government moving and get everyone we know involved. The strongest voice in the world is that of the public.
Sara | August 31, 2006 4:27 PM > What do you think?
Unfortunately Tony blair fails to acknowledge our part in the problem, he talks of controlling the trade in arms, yet we are constantly reminded of this countries involvement in arming developing nations, holding back their progess and perpetuating persecution and corruption.
NO MATTER WHO YOU VOTE FOR, THE GOVERNMENT ALWAYS WINS
Its time for action not words.
dion bunting | August 31, 2006 3:58 PM > What do you think?
Nice one Tony - keep it up. Can't help but feel some people's comments are shooting the whole campaign in the foot a little?
Sam | August 31, 2006 12:04 PM > What do you think?
If only those with power & vast wealth realised the pure joy that comes with serving. One of my favourite quotes is from Rabindrath Tagore..
"I slept & dreamt that life was joy. I awoke & saw that life was service. I acted & behold, Service was Joy."
I pray for the day that humanity sees that it is ALL ONE and awakens to the ultimate joy of humbly serving each other. Love, light, peace & blessings to all the compassionate folk.
Julie Carter | August 30, 2006 11:13 PM > What do you think?
You're right about socialism and compassion. The only trouble is, Tony Blair isn't a socialist, and has no intention of allowing socialism to infiltrate his government.
Binnie Yeates | August 30, 2006 11:13 PM > What do you think?
It is Oxfam, other NGO's and their supporters who have made Africa and ending poverty a political priority. Only by keeping up the pressure on politicians to produce measurable and lasting change can Poverty be Made History. The UK government cannot do everything that is needed to achieve that goal. However, what can be done is ask them to justify why spending on nuclear arms would not be better spent on delivering the MDG's. How many wells could be provided with the cost of just one Trident missile? How many hospitals could be built and equipped for just one nuclear submarine?
Tony Hutchinson | August 30, 2006 8:08 PM > What do you think?
The point Tony has missed is how to address the issue of child abduction. The Lord's Resistance Army has been in existence for a number of years. Aid to Africa wil not help without the protection of children. Gathering of Uganda's internal intelligence on child abduction will be a bit of help rather than debt cancellation.
MOSES GAKURU | August 30, 2006 3:31 PM > What do you think?
I think the response from Tony Blair was very good, it would be especially great if we could eradicate the transmission of Polio by the end of the year, but why exclude Nigeria? I think perhaps we could be a little bit quicker on AIDS treatment for all. I totally disagree with any trade in arms, as all these are intended to do is kill people and cause misery, just like the Test Ban treaty there should be an Arms Trade Treaty.
Craig Mollins | August 30, 2006 2:44 PM > What do you think?
I hate to be a cynic, it's all very well for Blair to say these things but until I actually see something happening I'm doubtful. I really do hope that he proves me wrong and things start to change for the better.
Lauren | August 30, 2006 12:34 PM > What do you think?
I agree with Dr Joe Mahoney that the country's legal, economic and political systems need to be restructured for the countries to actually support themselves. Giving them money for necessities won't help in the long run, once the money's gone they will be back to square one. I'm not pretending to be an expert on this type of thing but surely the government can see this if I can?
Tiffany Stevenson | August 30, 2006 12:35 AM > What do you think?
An excellent response that should be followed up with all G8 leaders.
Tony Blair is on track and should be encouraged to complete commitments ahead of schedule.
Mike Rolland | August 26, 2006 9:17 PM > What do you think?
I think Tony will step away before Poverty is made History, It is up to other people to try to move towards making Poverty History, it seems not to be attracting too much attention in the last month.
Richard | August 24, 2006 11:12 AM > What do you think?
I wish I could trust the rhetoric, but this from the man who plans to replace Trident... However, hopefully, he plans to make the Make Poverty History part of his 'legacy' and that at least would be a step forward.
Jean | August 20, 2006 3:45 PM > What do you think?
I would like to be positive: It is important that Tony has made the effort to respond and try to reassure us, saying that he is In with us. We must not forget that it is not one man's decision he has other countries and politicians to work with. Nevertheless, we must keep the good work and we will see results on good time.
Montse Lopez-Beverley | August 18, 2006 12:26 PM > What do you think?
Well well just the same old usual rubbish to be honest, I'm so angry with Tony and the rest of the G8. I wish they would just wipe the slate clean for all countries with debt.
My in-law's are from Uganda and we go there every year to visit, and what the government have got wrong is where they are putting the money. Aid is needed in the form of hospitals, tablets to relieve pain, surgeons who can operate to a high standard, I have relatives who have been in an accident and broken both legs - the treatment cost us 300 pounds to pay for them to see someone but all they did was lie in bed for six months with their legs on suspended cloth to keep them straight. Here there would be operations to put pins in their legs or amputate if needed.
Come on Tony - hospitals and medicines are life saving not schools.
nicola Rowe | August 10, 2006 5:34 PM > What do you think?
It's OK saying that we're going to try and that we remain commited but until we actually see all these things being done we can't actually rely on these promises.
Roseanna Myers | August 9, 2006 12:58 PM > What do you think?
I think Mr Blair has done all his best but the problem is with our African leaders who feed themselves and forget the poor. For example, AIDS Medication is given to Africa for free but people have to buy it. If someone cannot buy food to feed themselves how do you expect them buy that medication? That mediction should be free so we have to blame those Big men in Africa. Education - how much funds is given towards education? Where does that money go? How many children are on the streets of Kampala? Uganda is given all these funds and where does it go? in the pockets of the Top Men and Women. I'm not saying Mr Blair is not to blame - the biggest blame has to be put on our leaders.
Allen Grace | August 9, 2006 12:09 PM > What do you think?
Blair is more interested in looking good than anything else. And I thought socialism was about compassion.
Andrew Adamson | August 9, 2006 10:57 AM > What do you think?
I'm glad that Tony cares and that he, as well as us, wants to make povery history. A lot of work needs to be done but it CAN happen.
Kate, 11 | August 7, 2006 6:58 PM > What do you think?
Study after study has shown that aid is pointless without significant restructuring of the recepient country's legal, economic and political systems. Without land security, independent judiciaries and democratic representation these billions will have no impact whatsoever - look at the 1980s as an example.... why is there so little emphasis on this?
Dr Joe Mahoney | August 7, 2006 3:41 PM > What do you think?
I don't know what to make of the reply - actions speak louder than words etc especially coming from tony. I am on holiday in south africa at the moment, currently in Durban (considerably more prosperous than other areas) and seeing the amount of street kids, the levels of crime, poverty and homelessness - I am shocked and saddened. witnessed someone being beaten up and dragged into a park, the police were called and didn't turn up, probably too busy elsewhere. Just a very strong reminder of how vital this work is, how lucky we are in UK and it is up to us to people around the world living in poverty.
matt | August 6, 2006 9:02 PM > What do you think?
A water well costs £2,000 to build, provides enough water for 50,000 people, quadruples food production and brings the birth rate down to Western levels within three months. Giving the 1.1 billion people without a fresh supply of water would cost £44 million. Water is life, let's do this.
Andy Kadir-Buxton | August 6, 2006 11:57 AM > What do you think?
Good question. On this occasion no comments have been withheld. Please refer to the Terms of Use for details of what we will and won't publish. eg anything irrelevant or which compromises our staff security won't be published. endeavour to publish all relevant comments submitted. Thank you!
admin | August 1, 2006 10:26 AM > What do you think?
How many comments have Oxfam censored ?
Anonymous | August 1, 2006 9:43 AM > What do you think?
Good sentiments, slow progress but, essentialy, a politician's response. I know change on the scale demanded by the Poverty Means History campaign will be slow but, within days of writing this open letter to Oxfam, Mr Blair reverts to political type and fails to condemn Israel's attack on the people of Lebanon. Read from that what you will.
Lesley O'Hare | July 31, 2006 7:32 PM > What do you think?
Earnest effort and both sophisticated and pioneering new goals. Yet Britain has done far too little concerning its own arms trade, and an aid budget of 4.5 billion pounds is small cheese in a country where GDP is 1,800 billion pounds. Sustainability of spending and long term programmes are important, but there are thousands of uses to which much greater aid could be put. Sure its only part of the solution, coming secondary to trade, but its part of the solution that we could unilateraly increase our commitment to. It's easy to remember only Africa, but in India - a 'trade' success - farmers (66% of the workforce) earn less than those of Ghana. The demands of the developing world problems are overwhelming if regarded in their entirety, and are worth every Western Regime taking a blow to their budgets.
Dilemma number 2: Blair's action while good, is insufficient. But without positive electoral feedback, will politicians turn away from developing world campaigners as a group never satisfied?
Daniel Paget | July 31, 2006 9:58 AM > What do you think?
We from the poorest countries of the world are more than grateful for all Oxfam deeds. Personally I congratulate you. Keep up the spirit of restoration of human kind all over the world. The G8 - please keep your promises and you will continue to be blessed.
simon mbugua | July 31, 2006 7:00 AM > What do you think?
I think more is being done now than previously and that can only be good. Much more needs to be done. I'm a bit concerned at all the spelling mistakes in TB's letter - do we really have a PM who can't spell? Or has someone retyped it without a spellchecker? and Yes it does matter!
Dilys King | July 29, 2006 5:11 PM > What do you think?
Oxfam and other agencies provide aid in conflict zones , famine and flood etc. What percentage of Oxfam's efforts (and other government and NGOs), have gone due to natural events and those due to politics and war ?
Jane Green | July 29, 2006 3:21 PM > What do you think?
I think some of the comments from others are unfair. None of the world poverty problems can be resolved by waving a magic wand - Tony Blair's or anyone else's. Certainly British people wish fervently that the millions spent on war, and arms for it, had been spent on raising our commitment to breaking the poverty chain, and heartily resent the burden it still makes on our economy.
I think our pressure, through Oxfam, must continue for the G8 resolutions to be in place at the time stated. Whatever government comes next, this aim MUST remain.
Brenda | July 28, 2006 11:04 AM > What do you think?
Fine words, but not nearly enough of the right money and action. If the UK government would invest a fraction more of its time and money on the development, trade and aid agenda, rather than on making war in other people's countries, we would be a lot further forward.
Not to mention taking its own action on the UK's lucrative arms trade and avoiding ridiculous decisions to invest billions in "nuclear defence". No arms trade is responsible or ethical, they are all designed to provide a crutch for aggressors, kill and maim people.
Belinda | July 26, 2006 11:02 AM > What do you think?
This is great. At least Tony Blair your government heard your voice. I wonder if PM Koizumi has ever heard our voice. hmm... Keeping pressure is only way to open the door.
Rina Kunisawa | July 26, 2006 4:40 AM > What do you think?
If there was oil or arms to sell the Americans would be in there with plenty of aid.
john ayres | July 25, 2006 10:31 PM > What do you think?
Everything must be taken in context. Of course Blair and the government are doing things, they want to, and are politicians, and so have to be seen to be compassionate and doing something. So things are being done. Whether it's the priority is another thing. The economy takes precedence over this and the environment, so will override any goals in such fields. Just as companies who have an ethical outlet are primarily aiming at profit. This letter is obviously pleasing, and probably not misleading, but should just as much be ignored, as it says nothing new, bar acknowledgment.
Daniel Lee | July 24, 2006 11:50 PM > What do you think?
As you know Tony, talk is cheap but action is expensive.
okeimute ohre | July 24, 2006 7:40 PM > What do you think?
Lovely words, yet again! Sometimes it strikes me as strange that Tony Blair has the correct words yet little changes. Is it idealistic to believe that words mean little, but action means something? I hope that Africa can here this too. Tony, keep talking, but please, please DO something!!
Chris | July 24, 2006 6:05 PM > What do you think?
Tony, as with any project, create a check list of objectives and keep your eye on the ball. If the objective hasn't been reached then no words are worthy of their talk. Bravo for raising the issue of G13 vs G8 - such steps are vital to engage the developing world in World Affairs.
Isher Kular | July 24, 2006 2:05 PM > What do you think?
The comments about an Arms trade treaty in the future are good. At the moment a ceasefire would be good. Would an email help ?
Andrew E | July 24, 2006 1:51 PM > What do you think?
Sweet words, but when the US Congressional Budget Office reveals that $291bn has been allocated for the war in Iraq and possibly a further $400bn over the next decade doesn't that show where the West's priorities really lie? And who is supplying the arms that are keeping the conflict going between Israel and its neighbours?
Graham | July 24, 2006 11:26 AM > What do you think?
I don't believe that Tony cares as much as he would like us to think. Otherwise people like Mugabe and the like would not be allowed to continue with their corrupt regimes. It would be a different matter if they had something the West wanted; fuel, power, influence... I don't mean to be a pessimist but I don't believe we will get the reults we want in a hurry - that is why it is important not only to keep up the pressure but to increase it. Get everyone you know involved.
Aisha Ashraf | July 22, 2006 6:05 PM > What do you think?
Progress has clearly been made, but the PM's first para comes over as obscure waffle. Is he trying to disguise the fact that unacceptable conditions (e.g., privatisation of water, etc.) are being attached to the concessions?
Christopher Turner | July 22, 2006 4:31 PM > What do you think?
I am very glad to read the feedback from the prime minister. I hope when the G8 are doing their bits the countries in question will utilise the resources wisely. Lets keep the pressure on.
GBEMISOLA BASHORUN | July 22, 2006 9:13 AM > What do you think?
A positive and encouraging response. Keep the pressure up Tony and try to deliver it all!
G.Camponi | July 22, 2006 8:59 AM > What do you think?
It's encouraging to hear that the UK is taking the initiative and and fair play to Tony Blair for standing up for what's right. However it's time to tell Bush to stop abusing the privileged position of power and do something right for a change.
Andy Burger-Seed | July 21, 2006 8:14 PM > What do you think?
I would be less cynical if I thought that politicians really knew what was happening on the ground in other countries and why aid doesn't have the intended affect. Also, as so much pressure is put on governments to keep jobs and on uneducated poor people to fight, how on earth are we going to change this vicious arms business?
Wendy Haslam | July 21, 2006 6:05 PM > What do you think?
He can talk the talk, but can he walk the walk?
Allison | July 21, 2006 6:01 PM > What do you think?
Sounds very good Mr Blair. But as we have come to expect, Tony sure can talk the talk, let's just hope these are not more mere empty promises.
Martin Short | July 21, 2006 5:22 PM > What do you think?
Tony has done well!
paul mclean | July 21, 2006 2:03 PM > What do you think?
Africa needs trade more than aid, they do not want to be forever holding out the begging bowl but given fair access and fair prices for the goods they produce. War is the curse of Africa. Trade not aid.
Richard Pelling | July 21, 2006 1:50 PM > What do you think?
Whether this letter was written by Mr Blair or not, it's not as if someone has thrown something together and thought "that'll do". The content here would have been thought over very carefully with the inclusion of the prime minister, and I believe he is doing a very good job. It's only through our strong and prosperous economy that our government are able to show so much dedication to helping Africa. I believe the goals set by the government are realistic and strong, and with continued reminders from such campaigns as this, I can only see these goals being achieved. Now if only our American counterparts could see past their own noses.
Matt | July 21, 2006 12:59 PM > What do you think?
I hope the Prime Minister takes note that tens of thousands of people are desperate for Africa to be more than another 'fad' policy; he must acknowledge that this is not a subject that can be broken down to sound bites and quick stats to boost immediate public support. He cannot 'fast track' any solution here, so let's hope the Africa Progress Panel will pile on the pressure for him and the rest of the world leaders to see this through until Africa reaches a level of stability.
And thank you to Oxfam for giving us a chance to make our voices heard.
Tom Mison | July 21, 2006 12:32 PM > What do you think?
We should all be positive here about this reply. We know there is much to do but there is a real momentum for change. It has been a long time coming but movement in attitudes and responses is tangible. Oxfam supporters are making a difference and the pressure we exert must continue to ensure there is no let up in achieving our joint aims.
If the UK continues to lead in such an overt way then I am happy to offer praise where it is due for the progress to date. Keep going Tony and the true legacy of your stay as Prime Minister might just be about these issues and setting the World's conscience in the right direction.
Brian Brown | July 21, 2006 11:35 AM > What do you think?
Empty Vessels make most noise.
Jill barter | July 21, 2006 9:45 AM > What do you think?
The Prime Minster talks a good fight, but the big problem is that the aid given doesn't reach the people it needs to, or there would not be the poverty there is. after all - if this aid has been given to Africa, why is there still a need and people dying? The Un are good at sitting around talking & critisicing the Arms trade and poverty etc, but not at actually doing anything physical about the problem.It seems to be that if Africa had something the major governments wanted (ie Oil) they would be in like a shot as in the case of Iran.
Edward F Watts | July 21, 2006 7:56 AM > What do you think?
Already Tony Blair had ceated the impression for all others to follow particularly to the African leaders. It is a cheering news that some of them will be involved with him like Obasanjo, Kofi Annan. Let them wake-up others that Africa poverty must become history.
Yekeen Iginla | July 21, 2006 5:47 AM > What do you think?
Thank you Tony that you are so committed to this programme. As it is said goodness is the only investment that never fails. Do it in your office term. Hope to see a peaceful and unjustice free World. God bless.
Niamat Ullah | July 21, 2006 5:13 AM > What do you think?
I am heartened by the overt show of commitment from Tony Blair & having heard both Gordon Brown and Hillary Benn speak I have little doubt of the sincerity with which these views are held. But, today I see on the news that there is a commitment to renew the UK's nuclear deterrent.
For the rhetoric to be believable and the outcomes sustainable then there needs to be a consistency of purpose across the whole government agenda.
A promising start but more effort is needed.
Tony Hutchinson | July 20, 2006 8:21 PM > What do you