Skip to main content

Proceeding contribution from John Barrett (Liberal Democrat) in the House of Commons on Friday, 16 June 2006. It occurred during Debate on bill on International Development (Reporting and Transparency) Bill.


International Development (Reporting and Transparency) Bill

I thank the hon. Gentleman for his remarks. People often say that politicians live in a bubble and that we are out of touch with the real world. I have now been in this place for five years, which is admittedly a lot less time than many others. During that time, however, I have served on the International Development Committee, and I have seen at first hand the work of the Secretary of State and his predecessor, and of the Minister and the Department. I have also seen at first hand what is happening in countries as diverse as Ethiopia, India, Malawi, Mozambique, among others. I spent 20 years working in industry before I came here, and I do not live in a bubble. I have seen the extremes that people have to live through, and I know what kind of legislation we need to pass to make an difference to people. No matter how many problems we might have here, we are the lucky ones. We can pass this legislation and make an impact on hundreds of millions of people in developing countries who are in need. Although they will not know our names, we can be sure that when the Bill is passed it will make a difference to them.


Secondary information

Type
Proceeding contribution
Reference
447 c1032-3 
Session
2005-06
Chamber / Committee
House of Commons chamber
Subjects
Access Disclosure of information Accountability Debts Corruption Annual reports Developing countries Development aid Bilateral aid Freedom of information Expenditure International assistance National income Poverty Parliamentary scrutiny Politics and government Standards EU aid
Legislation
International Development (Reporting and Transparency) Bill 2005-06
Link
View this Proceeding contribution on www.publications.parliament.uk