Andrew Mitchell, Member of Parliament for Sutton Coldfield and Secretary of State for International Development joined the Central Sutton Coldfield Churches Together for his annual lecture which also saw the launch of the Sutton Coldfield International Development Reference Group. Mr Mitchell delivered a speech entitled: “Keeping our promises: tackling global poverty during tough economic times.” Nearly 100 people from Sutton Coldfield and the surrounding areas attended the lecture which is always on an international development theme. 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 the Secretary of State’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. Andrew Mitchell MP said, “When this Coalition was formed, we made a commitment that even in these difficult economic times the UK would increase aid to help the world’s poorest people. Spending less than one per cent of our national income on aid - an internationally agreed target - will create a safer and more prosperous world for the UK.” “The results this Government has already achieved in this area reflect our values as a nation – generosity, compassion and humanity. I am often contacted by my constituents who welcome the Coalition\'s absolute commitment to ensuring that every penny of the aid budget is well spent.” Photo: Members of the Sutton Coldfield International Development Reference Group with Andrew Mitchell MP',