Gordon Brown Pledges Concrete Action At G8 Summit

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PM pledges concrete action

Gordon Brown has spoken of his determination to see "concrete action" on development at the G8 Summit that begins in Japan tomorrow.

In a Downing Street statement, the PM noted the remarks of His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI on poverty in his Angelus address today and promised to make progress at the G8 and beyond.

The PM said:

"The G8, as the richest nations, have a responsibility to deliver on the promises they have made to the world's poor. His Holiness has today spoken of the need for the world to act to lift people from the most grinding poverty. This week, at the G8, I am determined to see concrete action taken. We will then carry this momentum forward to the UN summit on the Millennium Development Goals in September."

Pope Benedict referred to the G8 in his address earlier today, calling upon the G8 nations

In an earlier exchange of letters, the Prime Minister asked His Holiness to continue to support efforts to drive forward the MDGs that are currently not on track. Responding, Pope Benedict said it was time for a "concerted international plan of action" to combat extreme poverty.

Mr Brown will attend the G8 Summit in Japan from tomorrow until Wednesday.

ENDS

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