Chair:  Ann McKechin MP Vice Chairs: Peter Bottomley MP, Stephen O’Brien MP Mark Lazarowicz MP, Baroness Northover, David Drew MP John Battle MP Secretary:  Andy Reed MP Treasurer: Vernon Coaker MP Co-ordinator: Matthew Hulbert Tel: 020 7219 8239 e-mail: [email protected] 20th June 2005 Dear Colleague, I am writing to you as the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Debt, Aid & Trade, (formally the APPG for HIPC). I am very pleased to invite you to an International Parliamentarians’ meeting on the 2^nd July, 9.30-11.00am held at the Augustine’s Church, 41 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK. The event will bring together a select number of International Parliamentarians’, Ambassadors and NGOs to hear top speakers from the North and South, including: Rt Hon Hilary Benn MP, Secretary of State for International Development Mr. Donald Kaberuka, Rwandan Finance Minister & former Chairman of the African HIPC Ministerial Council Luisa Morgantini MEP, Chair of the International Development Committee in the European Parliament Dr Kumi Naidoo, Secretary-General & CEO of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation Mr Charles Abugre, Head of Global Policy and Advocacy for Christian Aid Chaired by Rt Hon Jack McConnell MSP, First Minister of the Scottish Parliament (tbc, a member of the Scottish Executive is confirmed either way) The  event  has  been  coordinated  in  collaboration  with  the  Scottish  Parliament,  the  Welsh  Assembly;  the Commonwealth  Parliamentary  Association,  and  the  International  Parliamentarians’  Petition,  who  have  all agreed  to  rally  support  for  the  event.  It  also  benefits  from  major  logistical  back  up  provided  by  Oxfam International.  It  is  also  a  key  event  in  terms  of  hearing  from  African  speakers  and  the  developments  that they would like to see. It is hoped that over 200 international parliamentarians’ and ambassadors can come together from around the globe  in  a  show  of  unity  on  the  MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY  day  in  Edinburgh.  The  George  IV  Bridge  is only  ten  minutes  away  from  the  start  line  of  the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY rally,  which  means  this  is  a fantastic location for parliamentarians to make their way over to the  rally and to show their support for the MPH campaign. Given  this  is  the  only  parliamentary  event  organised  in  Edinburgh,  it  will  undoubtedly  attract  widespread media  coverage  with  an  excellent  photo-opportunity  for  local  and  national  press,  (a  giant  white  banner  has kindly been made available).  I would be absolutely delighted if  you could make an appearance, not least to help make a positive impact for international civil society through your attendance. Please  RSVP  to  Matthew  Hulbert  (Tel:  02072198239  Fax:  02072191770)  or  [email protected]  as Coordinator of the Group. For logistical help and transport arrangements please contact Katy McDermott of Oxfam International on (01865 312339 ) [email protected] I very much look forward to hearing from you. Yours sincerely, Ann McKechin MP Chair of the APPG for Debt, Aid & Trade All Party Parliamentary Group on Debt, Aid & Trade