Bishopbriggs G8 messages reach Secretary of State

2.51.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 15th Jun 2007

The messages were collected as part of the 'Your Voice Against Poverty' campaign

Messages urging G8 leaders to 'keep their promises' have been passed on to International Development Secretary Hilary Benn today by Jo Swinson.

A total of 74 individually written messages were collected at Bishopbriggs Gala Day recently by local group Bishopbriggs Churches Together.

Jo said:

"These messages, calling on the G8 leaders to keep their promises to people in the Third World, show the strength of feeling of local people on the need to tackle the international challenges of poverty and climate change.

"I am delighted to be able to pass these messages on to the Secretary of State.

"Outcomes from this year's G8 meeting have fallen short of what was hoped for, particularly on securing a deal to cut greenhouse gas emissions. We need to see real leadership on these issues, and G8 leaders must stick to those pledges they have already made."

A spokesman for Bishopbriggs Churches Together, said:

"There has been some progress since Gleneagles in 2005, but all G8 countries need to play their part, through actions not words. People in Bishopbriggs are determined to make sure the G8 leaders keep their promises."

Related Link:

Your Voice Against Poverty: The World Can't Wait campaign