Annie Lennox, Davina McCall, Mariella Frostrup, Richard Wilson and Meera Syal are among the big names launching a new poverty campaign today, the fifth anniversary of Nelson Mandela's Make Poverty History speech in Trafalgar Square.
In a campaign video released today, the celebrities invite people to show their support for a new law that would commit the UK to spend 0.7% of national income on development assistance, by signing up to www.GlobalPovertyPromise.com.
The celebrities use the video to highlight how small 0.7% is – yet how much of a difference it will make to lives in the developing world.
"40 years ago the UK made a promise to the world’s poor – to spend just 0.7% of our national income on helping poor countries develop," said Mariella Frostrup. "We now have a chance to make that promise a reality, not just for today but for future generations.
“GlobalPovertyPromise.com is our opportunity to show that we keep our promises, even during difficult times. Whether it’s helping Haiti through a disaster or participating in the long term development of Africa the British public has a proud tradition of looking out for those less fortunate, let’s keep it up.”
Five years ago Nelson Mandela’s speech in London ahead of the Gleneagles summit launched the Make Poverty History campaign.
