Plea to Tony Blair for More Foreign Aid
02 June 2004
by Anai Rhoads
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AnaiRhoads.org - U2 frontman Bono signed an open letter to British Prime Minister Tony Blair and Chancellor of the Exchequer Gordon Brown Thursday, asking them to consider sending further aid to third world countries.
The well-timed letter comes forth as the British government organises budget planning for overseas aid. The talks will determine the amount available set aside for countries in need up to the year 2008.
"Because 6,400 people are dying every day in Africa from AIDS. Because over 100 million children in the world don't get to go to primary school. Because every year 525,000 mothers die in childbirth," the letter read, "We urge you to increase dramatically the aid budget beyond the 2005 target of 0.4 percent of national income and set a date for when Britain will meet its long-standing commitment to 0.7 percent."
Lead by Bono, the letter followed signatures by charities such as Christian Aid, DATA, and OxFam. Several artists and actors also contributed their time to bring this letter to light. Minnie Driver, Bob Geldof, and Coldplay singer Chris Martin were among the few celebrities who added their signature.
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