International Development

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Andy pushes for action on Economic Partnership Agreements by the government.

Yesterday I chaired the Debt, Aid and Trade All Party Parliamentary group looking into Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA’s). EPA’s are the new set of rules describing the trading access ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) countries have with Europe and set about a time table for free trade areas with Europe. The negotiation focus on the access these countries have to European markets. The current preferential access is a major source of income for these countries and provides much needed revenue to help with development. I feel we must help these countries to continue to get fair and just access to the EU market.

The EPAs are being negotiated with 6 regions: 4 in Africa, 1 with the Caribbean and 1 with the Pacific. The European Commission is negotiating on behalf of the UK and the other 26 European Member States. They will determine the trading relationship between Europe and the ACP for decades to come. Currently the preferential access which ACP have been received, have been operating under a ‘waiver’ granted from the WTO – but this waiver expires on the 31st December this year. This deadline needs to be extended to give ACP countries more time to negotiate with the EU. Most people agree that trade is a fundamental tool in the pursuit of sustainable development, but it’s vital that the content of trade agreements is right and fair.

I believe more emphasis is needed on pro development aims rather than just trade liberalisation. These new agreements must be used to help these countries and offering a way to develop further. We must ensure that in our dealing with other countries a fair and right deal is produced, one that puts development and economic development above a trade liberalisation policy that would damage the developing world. We must keep the government and the European commission in check with their promises to follow development lines.

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G8 2007: Progress and Failure

As the leaders of the G8 nations met together at the German Baltic Sea resort of Heiligendamm, the biggest challenge was getting agreement from all eight nations to live up to the promises they made in 2005.

At the end of the day the G8 did not go far enough to meet the aspirations they set themselves.

Download the document below to read my full analysis of the summit.

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ANDY QUESTIONS SECRETARY OF STATE ON G8 RESULT

I am concerned about the seeming lack of progress from the meeting of the G8 last week. I decided to raise the issue in the House by asking some questions to the Secretary of State for International Development.

The links below will take you to the relevant sections of Hansard where you can read the questions, answer and surrounding debate.

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BLACK GOLD HITS CINEMAS ACROSS THE UK - FROM JUNE 8th

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I take a keen interest in development issues and try where possible to push forward the development agenda in parliament. I will use this page to inform you of the latest developments on issues relating to aid, trade and debt relief in parliament.

Making Poverty History

I got involved in politics in the first place because of international development and poverty. I have been a campaigner for over 18 years on these issues, so I have been very keen to help the 'Make Poverty History Campaign' both in Parliament and in the constituency.

2005 truly was an extraordinary year for international development. The world really did join together and say no more - we want to see an end to unnecessary starvation and disease, we want to see an end to abject poverty, we want to see an end to lack of opportunity.

Political leaders listened and acted together in unprecedented ways. They made promises that have the potential to effect real change in our world.

Our challenge now is to ensure that those promises are kept. I intend to do all that I can to ensure this and to ensure that everyone on our planet is given a fair chance at life.

archive material

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The Issues in Depth

Aid, Trade and Debt Relief

Climate Change

Other Campaigns (active and past)

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Ethiopia

I have visited Ethiopia a number of times and maintain a keen interest in the development of the country. Ethiopia remains one of the world's poorest country and I am keen to help wherever possible to improve the life-chances of the people of Ethiopia.

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International Development Newsletter

Please click on the link below to download a full-colour copy

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Other useful links