Back row: Gary Streeter MP, Stephen Timms MP, Gavin Shuker MP, Joel Edwards (coordinator, EXPOSED), Mark Durkan MP, Simon Hughes MP. Front row: Tessa Munt MP, Catherine McKinnell MP and Fiona Bruce MP.
The people of Derry have been urged to join a global campaign aimed at highlighting poverty and corruption.
The call comes SDLP Foyle MP Mark Durkan who has joined a coalition of MPs at Westminster to support the ‘EXPOSED’ global campaign which aims to shine a light on the devastating impact of corruption on the world’s poorest.
Mr Durkan, who is also calling on world leaders to tackle corruption when they meet later this year at the G20 in Australia, said he joined the global call on the G20 leaders to step up efforts to combat bribery and tax avoidance.
Mark Durkan with Joel Edwards, coordinator, EXPOSED.
He added: “Over one billion people today live on the edge of survival with poor sanitation, no healthcare and little chance of education.
“There are many causes for poverty but the single greatest obstacle to overcoming it is corruption.
“Every day well over $3 billion goes missing from the global economy – stolen through bribes, money laundering, tax evasion and other illegal payments in business and government.
“Money lost through bribery alone adds up to $1 trillion in a year. This affects us all but it is the world’s poorest who suffer most.
“Governments are already considering anti-corruption measures and we can encourage them to ensure tighter systems are in place to plug the holes in financial flows, making it harder for corrupt practices to flourish.
“I would also encourage people in Derry and throughout the North to stand alongside the thousands who have already added their name to this important campaign.”
Mr Durkan concluded: “They can do so by signing the online petition at https://signup.exposed2013.com which will be handed to the G20 leaders when they meet in November.”
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