The network for international development

News and issues

Development issues and election campaigning

7 May 2010

The 2010 election campaign saw tens of thousands of people across the country contact their candidates about global poverty.

Over 40,000 emails were sent demanding a Robin Hood Tax and 13,000 people emailed their candidates calling for a reduction of CO2 emissions of 40% by 2020. Over 100 hustings events on global issues were held.

Many tens of thousands also got involved in Bond member campaigns. For example, over 7,000 people signed ONE's ‘On the Record' petition asking party leaders to publish their party's plans to fight global poverty, leading to all three party leaders making videos outlining their plans. Over 18,000 people signed Save the Children's election petition leading to 531 candidates pledging to work to tackle child poverty at home and abroad.

The campaign also saw party leaders profile international development issues in the media and to supporters. On election 2010 World Poverty Day, Gordon Brown and Nick Clegg made speeches at churches and David Cameron paid a visit to an aid distribution depot in Birmingham.

Thanks to persistent campaigning, the Conservatives, Labour and Liberal Democrats have all pledged to introduce legislation to deliver aid spending targets of 0.7% of GNI by 2013.

More information is available about the development content of the Conservative, Labour, Liberal Democrat, Green, SNP and Plaid Cymru manifestos.

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