August 15 2002 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
GLOBAL CHALLENGE TO TONY BLAIR ON EVE OF JOHANNESBURG EARTH SUMMIT
A young campaigner
for a better world has thrown down a challenge to Prime Minister Tony
Blair on the eve of the Johannesburg Earth Summit. Leeds University student
Matt Carroll is one of an 11-strong delegation from the Woodcraft Folk
who are flying out to South Africa on Tuesday to state the case for
global policies which fight poverty and pollution as well as the escalating
arms trade. In a letter to the
Prime Minister, the 21-year-old student slams Blair for setting aside
only 24 hours in which to attend the gathering of world leaders. The government is also
criticised for "dithering" about previous pledges to work
towards curbing the use of fossil fuels and preserving the planet for
future generations. Matt, who is from Birmingham,
said: " When first elected in 1997, this government pledged it
would do its utmost to work for a better environment, But we do not
think Tony Blair has delivered. He should be working with us to create
a safer world for his children and grandchildren." While in Johannesburg,
Matthew and colleagues in the Woodcraft Folk delegation will be putting
forward their views at a special Youth Summit. With accreditation from
the United Nations, the UK organisation is part of the Youth Caucus
- one of nine major groups, which will be participating, in the wider
global summit. Young people from all over the UK form the delegation. Matthew added: "We
will be working tirelessly at the summit, denouncing its continued hijacking
by multinational companies attempting to green-wash themselves, and
by governments wishing to advance their own selfish political agendas "People can show
their support for the letter
- and sign our declaration - online at
www.woodcraft.org.uk/earthsummit Media contact: e-mail
press@woodcraft.org.uk web www.woodcraft.org.uk/earthsummit Notes to editors Notes to editors The
Woodcraft Folk, established in 1925, is an education movement for children
and young people in England, Scotland and Wales, aiming to build self-confidence
and activity in society, with the longer-term goal of a world based
on equality, peace, social justice and co-operation. We believe in equal
opportunities, and are open to people of any religion or none, promoting
an understanding of the need to protect the environment and use of the
world's resources. Through exchanges with similar organisations throughout
the world, our motto is “Span the World with friendship”. The delegation,
which was chosen by a Woodcraft Folk young people’s steering group,
will be promoting its own nine-point Declaration on Sustainability,
which was put together at an International Camp held in Nottinghamshire
last year involving 4000 young people from 30 different countries.
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