Proceeding contribution from Tony Blair (Labour) in the House of Commons on Monday, 11 July 2005. It occurred during Ministerial statement on G8.
G8
I thank my right hon. Friend for his words. On trade, we are very clear in the communiqué that the opening of markets should be viewed from the point of view of the developing world as a process in which developing countries need to have the capacity to trade effectively. Free trade is in their interests in the end, but if it were to happen overnight without a proper process for those countries to engage in and to construct that necessary capacity, it would be difficult for them. That is one of the reasons why we have increased aid—in order to allow them to try to achieve that. We also made the point that it is necessary for many of the African countries to try to break down the barriers of trade between themselves, as there are still major tariff barriers within Africa as well. We have taken my right hon. Friend’s point well on board. As to climate change, the climate group that we have established does precisely what my right hon. Friend mentioned. It involves the state of California, businesses and other countries that share our perspective. In the end, it depends on what people want. I think that, if there is a willingness—and I think that there is—for the Administration to engage on this issue, we might as well engage them and see where we get to. We can pursue the other dimensions with the states, business and industry at the same time. It is important to remember, as I often say, that the Kyoto treaty was, unfortunately but truly, rejected by 100 to nothing in the US Senate under the previous American President. Sometimes people see the US Administration as the only issue in respect of this matter, but I think that it is possible to move the debate forward and our engagement with other groups and people in America is an important part of that.
Secondary information
- Type
- Proceeding contribution
- Reference
- 436 c589-90
- Session
- 2005-06
- Chamber / Committee
- House of Commons chamber
- Subjects
- Climate change Developing countries Debts written off G8 Poverty Politics and government Trade
- Link
- View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk
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- 2024-04-21 11:37:07 +0100
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