Brown slated on G20 crisis talks
04 September 2009
PICTURE/AUDIO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY
NEWS HOOK
London, Friday-Saturday 4-5 September 2009
Finance ministers from G20 group of the world's most powerful economies meet in London
"Stop letting money rule the world" protest by campaigners
‘UK blocks to reform undermine global action'
British prime minister Gordon Brown today faced heavy criticism for his resistance to reforms on bank bonuses, tax dodging and the financial system amid the global economic crisis.The charity War on Want launched the attack as British chancellor Alistair Darling and other finance ministers gather for London talks in the G20 group of the world's most powerful economies.
War on Want slams Brown's refusal to take action on bank regulation, including on bonuses for UK bank executives, which reports suggest will reach a record £4 billion this year, despite bailouts costing billions of taxpayers' money.
The charity also denounces his refusal to instigate British government steps against tax dodges that cost developing countries an estimated £250 billion a year and £100 billion a year for Britain - enough to double funding for the health service.
Brown faces further censure over rejecting the proposal by Lord Turner, chairman of the Financial Services Authority, for a tax on foreign currency transactions which would raise billions of pounds for developing countries.
And the PM is condemned for sticking to free market policies that War on Want says caused the crisis and now threaten to throw millions more people into unemployment in poor countries and Britain.
The International Labour Organisation estimates 239 million people worldwide will be jobless this year - up a third compared to the 2007 level - with youth unemployment rising by up to 18 million to 90 million.
War on Want executive director John Hilary said: "Gordon Brown is becoming the abominable no man. Each time there is a new proposal that would reform the economic system, the UK government says no to it. It is time that the PM let go of the failed policies which caused the crisis in favour of measures that will ensure a fair system for all."
CONTACT
Paul Collins, War on Want media officer (+44) (0)20 7549 0584 or (+44) (0)7983 550728
NOTE TO EDITORSWHEN?
10.30-11.15 am BST, Friday 4 September 2009
WHERE?
North junction between Leadenhall Street and St Mary Axe, London EC3 3DQ (view of City landmark the Gherkin skyscraper)
WHAT?
War on Want campaigners and others from the Put People First coalition, in G20 leaders' masks and suits, hold cash-laden throne, warning "Stop letting money rule the world". The activists, backed by money-themed music, will then go on a walking tour of City institutions which the coalition blames for the crisis along with the G20 leaders. The coalition is demanding greater investment in public services, new jobs through a green global economy and steep emission cuts for developed nations at the UN summit in Copenhagen later this year. Put People First includes over 100 development charities, trade unions, environmental, faith and anti-poverty groups.
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