Swindon MP meets celebrities to make poverty history

Swindon South MP Julia Drown met with celebrities Lenny Henry and Dawn French in the House of Commons and others such as Claudia Schiffer, Richard Curtis, Emma Freud, Davina McCall, June Sarpong and Kirsty Young at the parliamentary launch of the 'Make Poverty History' campaign.

30,000 people die unnecessarily because of poverty in our world and these celebrities came to the House of Commons to explain to MPs why they will doing their bit in 2005 to make this campaign the biggest the world has ever seen.

2005 is a key year with Prime Minister Tony Blair chairing the G8 group of countries ­ the meeting of the big western nations as well as taken over the EU Presidency.

The UK has led the world on many development issues since 1997 and all the MPs at the reception were urged to ensure that this issue gets on top of the agenda and stays there for next year.

The 'Make Poverty History' campaign will take place in countries all over the world and involves many activities including showing a Making Poverty History video shown before pop concerts . Wild and wacky ideas are planned to bring the message home. These include a special Vicar of Dibley episode on the 1st January. Events have already started with the launch of the Live Aid DVD and Band Aid record which the Chancellor has agree to pass on the VAT chargeable to charity.

Davina McCall speaking at the reception urged all the MPs to sign a motion which Julia Drown will be tabling in Parliament after the Queen's Speech to show their support for the campaign.

Speaking afterwards Julia Drown said, "I know this issue is of paramount importance to many of my constituents who know of the desperate suffering of millions of people in our world. If we can create the political will in Britain and in other countries, particularly America, Japan and our European partners we can make a huge difference.

"I urge all my constituents to get involved in this campaign. More information can be found the website or for those who do not have access to the Internet they can contact my office and I will keep them in touch with the campaign.'

ePolitix.com : Julia Drown