Andrew Mitchell MP joined the Sutton Coldfield International Development Group in Sutton’s Town Centre last Saturday in support of the mass gathering in London as part of the Enough Food for Everyone IF campaign. With the G8 Summit approaching the group gathered to raise awareness of the issues that are preventing everyone in the world from having enough food. To tackle world hunger the IF campaign includes specific policy asks on investment in food and nutrition security, tax, land and transparency. Andrew Mitchell MP, said “I welcomed the launch of the IF campaign, along with the Prime Minister, as I know that many of my constituents show support and concern for those less fortunate – particularly the one billion people who go to bed hungry each night.” “The Coalition Government has already taken action on many of the important issues that the campaign raises.” Following the vigil John Heywood, on behalf of the Sutton Coldfield International Development Group, said “Sutton Coldfield International Development Group believes that it is vitally important to assist developing countries to feed their people. With enough food they have more chance to lift themselves out of poverty. The G8 countries can help by dealing with some of the factors that make life difficult for the Third World: paying the proper amount of tax and not taking the best land. In addition the UK aid budget should still be ring fenced at 0.7%. The Reference Group was an idea put forward by a group of Mr Mitchell’s constituents and local clergy with support from fifty signatories from Mr Mitchell’s constituency. It is non-party-political and members support the Coalition Government’s commitment to international development. Anyone interested in joining the group should contact John or Frances Heywood: f.j.heywood@virginmedia.com or 0121 241 5830. Photo: Andrew Mitchell MP with members of the Sutton Coldfield International Development Group.