Oxfam is asking Prime Minister to-be, Gordon Brown, to be bold and go further in the fight against world poverty. The international aid agency will set out what they want from a Brown premiership when they take their message to his constituency today [Sunday 24th 2007]. Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam in Scotland, and Sharon McLardy, Manager of the Oxfam Shop in Kirkcaldy, will be in Kirkcaldy High Street holding a large map of Africa with the words ‘GO FURTHER ON FIGHTING POVERTY GORDON!’

Oxfam wants the new administration under Gordon Brown to:

• keep Britain’s aid promises and lead the international community in making health and education accessible for all. Britain should commit to delivering 0.7% of national income within five years.
• follow a more ethical foreign policy, which is based on justice and fairness.
• take strong action to tackle climate change and help the poorest countries adapt its effects.

Judith Robertson, Head of Oxfam in Scotland said, "Mr Brown has recently said that all his heroes demonstrated courage, Oxfam is therefore asking him to be courageous and use his time as Prime Minister to overcome worldwide poverty. He should seize the chance to meet Britain’s aid commitments. He should also help create a world where education and health services are accessible to all.

"In an uncertain world, Gordon Brown should adopt a foreign policy which puts justice and fairness at its heart. He should also have the strength to address the huge problem of global warming.

"If Gordon Brown wants to show he has a brave heart he has to go for it. Global poverty and its causes should be at the top of his policy agenda."

Sharon McLardy, Manager of Oxfam’s Kirkcaldy shop added, "People in Kirkcaldy are excited about Gordon Brown being Prime Minister. I would like to see him go down in history as the first Prime Minister to beat global poverty, not only for the people in this town but for the millions of people throughout the world who are living in extreme poverty."

ENDS