as Hilary Benn and Tony Colman come to visit

Rt. Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for International Development visited Putney, on 25 th April to address volunteers, local church groups and staff at Voluntary Service Overseas.

Following the meeting, Hilary Benn stated,

“I was delighted to meet local residents and the VSO in Putney following an invitation by Tony Colman. We both believe that every child should have a decent start in life, no matter who they are or where they live. This is why beating poverty – at home or abroad – is central to Labour’s values. Labour has already more than doubled aid, and for the first time we have provided 100% debt relief to the poorest countries.”

Tony Colman MP with Mark Goldring the Chief Exec of VSO and Hilary Benn MP.

Tony Colman is committed to ensuring that international development remains at the top of a Labour Government’s agenda. He commented:

“2005 is a crucial year in the fight against poverty. If re-elected, Labour will continue to work for trade justice and an end to protectionist policies. Labour has promised that in a third term we will lift a further one million children out of poverty.” He continued, “Eradication of poverty, where ever we find it, must always be at the heart of Labour values”.

Tony Colman was most grateful to the staff at VSO for their hospitality, and during his presentation took the opportunity to thank them for their ongoing hard work and commitment to overseas development.

April 28, 2005