"Make Poverty History" Spirit Soaring High in Britain

In just a few days, the New Year will come, which will give the UK an important role in world mission. Highlighted in the agenda is the Make Poverty History campaign launched in the UK by more than 100 charities, trade unions and aid agencies worldwide.

Steve Tibbett from ActionAid spoke on behalf of Make Poverty History, "We know what the problems are but until now there has not been the political will to do something about them."

"We want 2005 to be remembered as the year that changed the world," he added.

The campaign is urging the British Government to abolish unfair trade policies, relieve international debt and raise the budget to aid poor countries. As the UK will take up the presidency of the G8 summit and EU in 2005, its policy has a leading effect to major countries in the world.

Particularly, the campaign says it wants the "unpayable debts" of the poorest countries to be cancelled in full and for at least an extra £50 billion to be given in international aid each year.

Chancellor Gordon Brown complimented the Make Poverty History coalition and the "huge groundswell" of support from faith groups, along with the work of high-profile campaigners such as Bono and Bob Geldof. Earlier this month, Brown said next year would be "make or break" for development in poorer countries.

In response to the pressing call, Brown revealed his plans on BBC Radio 4 on Tuesday. The Chancellor said, "We shouldn't have to choose, as we are at the moment, between the temporary emergency relief that we are giving...and the long-term tackling of the underlying causes of poverty."

He said richer nations "need to be able to do both".

Brown even pledged, "We led the way with 100% debt relief for the individual countries." Also, he said a doubling of international aid was needed.

U2 singer Bono expressed his personal opinions towards eradicating world poverty, "Our generation wants to be remembered for something more than the war against terror or even the internet."

"Just as they pulled down the Berlin Wall and drew back the Iron Curtain and ended apartheid, these seemingly impossible hills can be climbed."

In the Christmas sermon given by the Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, has in fact echoed that the rich should share their wealth, justice and liberty with poorer nations.

Archbishop Williams lamented that some countries concentrate on terrorism and fail to reach their own development goals. He urged all countries to put back their focus in halving world poverty by 2015.

Fighting against terrorism should not be the "only agenda", according to the Archbishop.

"We are not going to be living in the truth if we have no passion for the liberty of God's children, no share in the generosity of God," he added.

Therefore, rich countries need to make justice their priority and accept that their wealth cannot expand indefinitely.

Other senior church figures also agreed with Archbishop Williams' concerns, including the second senior Anglican leader the Archbishop of York David Hope, who said in his sermon justice and peace must be pursued together.