3-7-02

“Help poor to help themselves” says Barrett

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, was today elected Secretary of a new parliamentary group aimed at helping those in poor countries to help themselves.

Mr Barrett, who is also a member of the International Development Select Committee, is one of the founders of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Microfinance/Microcredit, which held its first meeting with special star guest, Chris Akabusi.

John Barrett MP said:

"Although direct financial and humanitarian aid is crucial to overcome the poverty that shackles the third world, we must help those people in developing countries to help themselves by providing the tools to help them make a living.

"Hopefully, this new group will help promote the creation and growth of small businesses and help tackle poverty, especially in the developing world. The schemes differ from direct aid, offering small loans to mini businesses and giving training to help them expand and flourish. The rates of repayment are specifically tailored to suite people in developing countries, avoiding the extortionate interest rates of some banks and money-lenders.

"Many of the projects are directed at women, who often have to work 'double days' in the home and workplace and who form the majority of the world's poorest people."

ENDS