Anti-poverty groups have joined forces to ensure that poor countries are not being exploited for their natural resources.

ONE, Tearfund and CAFOD are backing legislation being debated by European leaders that would force oil, gas and mining companies to reveal what they are paying the governments of poor countries in return for their natural resources.

In an action fitting for Valentine's Day, campaigners from the three organisations carried a giant love heart to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills emblazoned with the message "love truth".

The groups, which are part of the Publish What You Pay Coalition, say that the new law would put an end to the secrecy that allows "unscrupulous leaders to siphon off the profits they make from natural resources instead of investing in vital services that will benefit the people of their country".

They argue that the profits from natural resource revenues could help to lift millions of people out of poverty.

Norman Lamb MP, whose appointment follows the resignation of Chris Huhne, will join ministers from around Europe in Brussels next week to discuss the proposed law for the first time.

Tearfund's 'Unearth the Truth' campaign to end corruption in the extractive industry has received the support of more than 20,000 people.

Ben Niblett, Head of Campaigns at Tearfund said: “We need to see robust laws in place that will unearth the truth on what companies pay to the governments of countries where they operate.

"Truth and transparency must be at the heart of corporate accountability if poor communities are to benefit from the resources they literally live on top of.”

Claire Hazelgrove, UK Campaigns Manager at ONE said: “Honesty and openness is the key to any good relationship, even more so between business and governments.

"Revenues from natural resources should be going into vital services like schools, health clinics and roads that could help lift hundreds of millions out of poverty, not into the pockets of a few corrupt leaders.

"It is a trillion dollar scandal that is denying millions the chance to escape poverty.”