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G8: 2007 Summit

My Lords, given what has happened at the last few G8 summits—initially the African leaders who had formed the NePAD initiative were included, and when the Prime Minister put climate change at the top of the Gleneagles agenda, China, India and others were invited, particularly in respect of climate change but also on trade—it is inconceivable that countries such as China and India will not have a role in future G8 summits. Clearly we have a long way to go on aid to Africa, but we also have to recognise that aid is only a part of this. The key issue is to ensure that there is greater investment in African countries so that they can develop their economies and, through that process, put money into basic services such as health and education. I am pleased that the Japanese have already said that they will maintain the pressure to keep Africa on the agenda because this has to be a long-term commitment.