SNP ONLY PARTY COMMITTED TO INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

SNP ONLY PARTY COMMITTED TO INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT.

SCOTLAND HAS WHAT IT TAKE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE

SNP European Candidate, Cllr Drew Hendry, has called on all Scottish
candidates in the European election to follow the SNP lead and sign up to
the NIDOS Manifesto, committing MEP candidates to work towards achieving
the Millennium Development Goals if elected. All six SNP candidates have
signed the pledge - the only party to do so.

NIDOS is an umbrella body which represents 67 Scottish organisations
involved in international development.

Commenting in advance of the Oxfam Scotland Hustings he will attend
today (Friday), Mr Hendry said:

"Scottish jobs and communities are at the top of the SNP's agenda.
However, as a responsible nation, we have an international duty to work
together to tackle global poverty.

"We have strong links with other countries, many of which would benefit
from aid, and we want to help. It is small and medium sized European
countries that are leading the world.

"The Scottish Government has already doubled Scotland's international aid
budget and is building strong links with Malawi and other Sub-Saharan
nations.

"The EU also plays a critical role in global affairs as the world's
biggest provider of development aid. The European Parliament does
important work in this field and the SNP has a long record of working in
Europe to support EU commitments.

"SNP MEPs will work in Europe and with both the Scottish Government and
stakeholders including NIDOS members to ensure the goals laid out in the
pledge are met.

"Working together, Scotland's Government and aid organisations have what
it takes to make a real difference to lives across the world."