16 March 2010 – Putting poverty in the spotlight: Eagle launches year for combating poverty and social exclusion
Presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy to moderate debate. The UK launch of the European Year for Combating Poverty and Social Exclusion will take place today in Bristol. Under the banner ‘Stop Poverty Now’, the campaign aims to place the fight against poverty – which directly affects one in six Europeans – centre stage across the UK and EU throughout 2010.
Speaking at the event, Minister of State Angela Eagle will issue a call to action for everyone to get involved in the fight against poverty.
"In difficult economic conditions it is essential that we continue to strengthen our focus on fighting poverty. Our commitment to eradicate child poverty will be enshrined in legislation next week, but Government cannot beat the scourge of poverty alone. We must ensure that this issue is at the top of the public agenda, so the people and programmes dedicated to addressing poverty and social exclusion can push forward with their good work. That’s why throughout 2010 we will be supporting organisations working on the ground to raise awareness of poverty at their local level. We are pleased to be working with the Commission to advance the European Year and its goals in the UK".
At the launch, key UK stakeholders will come together to discuss the current face of poverty and social exclusion. A programme centred on three panel debates will be moderated by national political journalist and television presenter Krishnan Guru-Murthy. Attendees include people experiencing poverty and those working on the front lines of the battle against deprivation.
Whilst often associated with developing countries, poverty continues to blight Europe. A full 17 per cent of EU citizens have such limited resources that they cannot afford the basics of life. Steady progress has been made, but the continued existence of poverty and exclusion of the few amounts to a poverty of society as a whole.
The 2010 European Year aims to raise greater awareness of the causes and consequences of poverty in Europe within governments and NGOs, but also amongst the public at large. It also aims to mobilise groups in the fight against poverty; promote social integration and inclusion; and encourage clear commitments on drawing up EU and national policies to tackle poverty and social exclusion.
Vladimír Špidla, former European Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities said, "One in six people in Europe face a daily struggle to make ends meet, but poverty can also affect the rest of us – and our societies as a whole. The European Year puts this issue at the top of the agenda so that Europe as a whole can join forces to fight poverty and social exclusion".
The campaign will include a journalists’ competition, an art initiative and two 'focus weeks', encompassing coordinated national events around the EU in May and in October. The Year ends with a closing conference on 17th December in Brussels, under the Belgian Presidency of the EU.
Notes to Editors
- Eurobarometer survey on attitudes to poverty and social exclusion, including full report, summary report and country factsheets: http://ec.europa.eu/public_opinion/archives/eb_special_en.htm
- Visit the European Year website at (http://www.2010againstpoverty.eu) for campaign news, events and activity from the EU, UK and other member states. It includes a platform to stimulate networking and joint initiatives among actors such as national governments and civil society organisations
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