Pupils from Hendon School attended Oxfam's Schools Parliamentary Event and heard their MP Matthew Offord speak with Bethnal Green and Bow MP Rushanara Ali about International Development.
The Coalition Government has made it clear that in these difficult economic times it believes the UK has a moral responsibility to help the poorest people in the world. At the same time the Government is working to ensure greater transparency and scrutiny of aid spending in order to maximise the impact of our aid budget.
Matthew said, “I was very impressed at the work being undertaken by Hendon School to raise awareness of the situation of children in underdeveloped countries. People do worry that when we are making such drastic cuts to our public servcies we continue to spend on overseas aid. I understand that concern but I am more comfortable about it when I hear of the plight of the people in these countries and I am encouraged by the fact that the Government is spending the money better and in a more transparent fashion.”
Anthony Davis Regional Political Campaigner for Oxfam said, “ I know that the children and teachers of Hendon School were delighted to have Matthew come along to talk to them about their campaigns and other activities. We were also very pleased that Matthew agreed to take part in the Q&A session with Rushanara - this generated some very interesting and searching questions.”
Photo: Matthew is pictured with Year 9 pupils Bianca, Chamodi, Fiona, Maddy, Patrcyja and their teacher from Hendon School .