UK Party Leaders to Present Anti-Poverty Policies on World Poverty Day

World Poverty Day has been set for this coming Sunday 24 April. Following the massive 25,000-strong overnight vigil outside the British Parliament last weekend as an event for the Global Week of Action for Trade Justice, the determination to make a real difference to the poverty in the Third World has been greatly lifted in the UK.

This Sunday will be a day for the three main political parties to respond to the public by presenting their anti-poverty policies, as well as a chance for them to gain an advantage in the lead-up to ballot day in May.

A press statement from Oxfam Great Britain stated, "Staging a World Poverty Day in the middle of an election is recognition that voters are concerned with international development and the tragedy of global poverty. Opinion polls consistently show that voters want their leaders to address poverty and injustice not only at home but abroad."

The UK-based MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY coalition, which brings together nearly 400 charities, trade unions, church organisations and faith groups, has high expectations on the feature keynote speeches on advancing international development from Labour Party leader Tony Blair, the Conservatives head Michael Howard and the Liberal Democrats leader Charles Kennedy.

Some other major Christian aid agencies also urged the party leaders to pledge concrete actions to relieve world poverty - one of the world’s greatest challenge.

Matt Phillips, Head of Public Affairs at Save the Children said, "Whoever wins the general election will take on the UK’s leadership of the G8 and European Union and the power to make a real change in the lives of millions of people living and dying in poverty across the globe. We look forward to hearing the parties’ views on how they would meet this challenge."

Barbara Stocking, Director of Oxfam said, "World Poverty Day challenges all parties to tell the British electorate how they would take leadership to reduce the tragedy of poverty in our world. We hope all voters will listen and cast their vote wisely."

Bridget Burrows, parliamentary support officer for CAFOD (Catholic Agency for Overseas Development) called for participation from the congregations: "You could dedicate part of Sunday service to say a few words on poverty. Resources such as the Make Poverty History prayer card and vigil are available, and also the Celebrate Life booklet has some wonderful words."