Borders MP Michael Moore met last week with local churchgoers to discuss his work as Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for International Development.

During the meeting at Christ Church Hall in Duns, Mr Moore spoke about the importance of ensuring that international development remains a priority for the Government despite the economic downturn, and presented a range of policy solutions that were set out by the Liberal Democrats before the London G20 meeting in April.

These proposals, which formed the basis of Mr Moore’s policy paper ‘Development in a Downturn’, included action to deliver the outstanding aid pledges from previous international summits, the provision of emergency funds to development finance institutions, and increased support for the World Food Programme and social protection initiatives.

Commenting, Mr Moore said:

‘I know from the regular letters I receive from constituents that international development is an issue that many people in the Borders feel passionately about.

‘This meeting offered me a welcome opportunity to explain to a number of constituents what my role as Liberal Democrat Shadow Secretary of State for International Development entails, and present some of our own policy in this area to an interested and well-informed audience.

‘The World Bank has estimated that the economic downturn could force an additional 50 million people into extreme poverty, and undermine efforts to reach our targets on infant mortality and nutrition. As such, it is more important than ever that the international community remain committed to helping vulnerable populations in the developing world to climb out of poverty’.

Notes to Editors:

Copies of the policy paper ‘Development in a Downturn: Dealing with the Global Emergency’ are available online at
http://www.michaelmoore.org.uk/ftp/pressreleases/333/uploadedfile/Michae...