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European Council

I am grateful for that question from the hon. Gentleman, who used to be the Chairman of the International Development Committee. We have called a conference with business leaders and others in May to look at how we can make progress on the MDGs and get a wider coalition of business, voluntary groups, foundations, charities and faith groups, as well as Governments, to pursue them. In June, this matter will be discussed in detail at the European Council as a report is being prepared already by Mr. Barroso, President of the Commission, about the progress that has been made and the progress that has still to be made. That will lead through to September, when there will be a special session of the UN—called by the Secretary-General—to look at what we must do next to achieve the MDGs. All Members should recognise that Europe leads the world: it is the biggest contributor to aid. It has done more than any other continent, but we want to do still more in the future. It is only possible for us to work successfully if we continue to work together. That demands a high level of co-operation in Europe, which I hope all Members will support.