27/02/2004
New commission to focus on international policy over Africa
Prime Minister Tony Blair announced yesterday that an international commission is set to examine policy relating to Africa.
The Commission aims to generate increased support for the G8 Africa Action Plan and the New Partnership for African Development, said Mr Blair at his monthly press conference for journalists yesterday.
"It will be a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Africa and policies towards Africa," said Mr Blair who will chair the Commission's meetings.
Africa is the only continent to have grown poorer in the past 25 years. Its share of world trade has halved in the generation, and it receives less than one per cent of direct foreign investment.
The Commissioners will be politicians and opinion formers from Africa and around the world. Chancellor Gordon Brown and International Development Secretary Hilary Benn are already confirmed as Commissioners. Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia and Trevor Manuel, the South African Minister of Finance, and Sir Bob Geldof have also agreed to serve.
Each Commissioner is expected to consult widely with expert thinkers and the public on the issues.
Mr Blair said: "I have said on many occasions that I believe Africa is the scar on the conscience of the world, and I think it is right that we continue to treat this as an absolute priority over the coming years."
The Prime Minister will ask the commission to submit the report by next Spring.
(gmcg)
The Commission aims to generate increased support for the G8 Africa Action Plan and the New Partnership for African Development, said Mr Blair at his monthly press conference for journalists yesterday.
"It will be a comprehensive assessment of the situation in Africa and policies towards Africa," said Mr Blair who will chair the Commission's meetings.
Africa is the only continent to have grown poorer in the past 25 years. Its share of world trade has halved in the generation, and it receives less than one per cent of direct foreign investment.
The Commissioners will be politicians and opinion formers from Africa and around the world. Chancellor Gordon Brown and International Development Secretary Hilary Benn are already confirmed as Commissioners. Prime Minister Meles of Ethiopia and Trevor Manuel, the South African Minister of Finance, and Sir Bob Geldof have also agreed to serve.
Each Commissioner is expected to consult widely with expert thinkers and the public on the issues.
Mr Blair said: "I have said on many occasions that I believe Africa is the scar on the conscience of the world, and I think it is right that we continue to treat this as an absolute priority over the coming years."
The Prime Minister will ask the commission to submit the report by next Spring.
(gmcg)
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27 October 2005
Britain basks in record temperatures
The UK is basking in sunshine as the country enjoys the warmest October 27 on record. Temperatures have risen as high as 21c in some parts of the country, beating the previous record of 20.3c, which was recorded in London in 1888. However, temperatures are expected to rise as high as 23c in some parts of the country.
Britain basks in record temperatures
The UK is basking in sunshine as the country enjoys the warmest October 27 on record. Temperatures have risen as high as 21c in some parts of the country, beating the previous record of 20.3c, which was recorded in London in 1888. However, temperatures are expected to rise as high as 23c in some parts of the country.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.