Gordon Brown Takes Green Revolution Message To G8

PM takes "green revolution" message to G8

Developing countries need western support to increase food production to deal with difficulties in the global market, the PM told MPs this morning.

Addressing MPs this morning, Mr Brown said he would go to the G8 with a proposal that support for agricultural production in developing countries should be increased.

"All the G8 and other countries are prepared to help," he said.

"In other words, we need a new green revolution in the developing countries to enable them to produce what they will need for the future. But that will cost money and I think it's important to recognise that this would be the wrong time to cut aid to developing countries even though we are in difficult circumstances ourselves ... because of the rise of oil and food prices."

Mr Brown added that it would be a huge mistake to cut aid, both "in the short term and long term".

The Liaison Committee is a group of senior MPs that has heard evidence from the Prime Minister on matters of public policy since 2002. This is Mr Brown's second apearance in front of the Committee.

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PM meets Liaison Committee

Food, fuel and the economy and international affairs were on the agenda when the Prime Minister met with senior MPs this morning.

Tony Blair established the twice-yearly sessions to allow Parliament the opportunity to question the Prime Minister in depth over a series of issues. This is the second time Mr Brown has appeared in front of the Committee.

The session covered:

* economic priorities
* fuel tax
* global trade
* food prices, the G8 and aid
* reform of international bodies
* the Middle East
* Africa

More about the Liaison Committee

The Liaison Committee is appointed to consider general matters relating to the work of select committees; to advise the House of Commons Commission on select committees; to choose select committee reports for debate in the House and to hear evidence from the Prime Minister on matters of public policy.

The Liaison Committee has heard evidence from the Prime Minister on matters of public policy since 2002. This is the second evidence session with Mr Brown as Prime Minister since he took office in June 2007.

The panel's members are the Chairs of 30 Parliamentary Select Committees, each dealing with a different area or issue.

ENDS

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