25-3-02

JOHN BARRETT APPOINTED TO INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE

John Barrett MP has been appointed to the House of Commons International Development Select Committee.

As part of the Committee, John will now be involved in the close scrutiny of the work of the Department for International Development (DFID), headed by the Secretary of State, Clare Short.

John said:

"I am delighted to have been appointed to this important Committee. With such issues as the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and the persecution of many people in Zimbabwe currently dominating the news headlines, the role of DFID and the UK's policies of overseas development have never been more important.

"The plight of people living in the third world was something that first got me involved in politics. Now, as part of this Committee, I can argue for my long held believes to tackle global poverty, reduce debt amongst the world's poorest nations and promote sustainable economic development."

ENDS