The challenge to global market power won't stop with the general election
It feels like we're living in interesting times. Since Obama swept to power last year, it's as though the UK might be getting the message that enfranchisement is a precious right worth acting on. I'm not saying that Brown, Cameron or Clegg carry with them the hope and light of the 'Yes we can' roadshow, but perhaps the apathy of the past UK general elections will be thrown aside in favour of active participation.

And even in the last days, as the horse-trading of the pre-election wash-up promised little more than half-baked legislation or shelf-filling for the next government, a couple of surprises were thrown up to add to the feeling that there is still a lot to play for.

Last week the Debt Relief Bill and Bribery Bill passed into law. There hasn't been a huge hoo-hah in the media but both pieces of legislation make significant strides towards addressing some pernicious obstacles to poverty alleviation in the poorest countries of the world.

The former will act as a control over the ruthless practices of vulture funds - private companies that buy up poor countries' debts and then sue for repayment on inflated terms. The Debt Relief Act now makes it illegal for any vulture fund to take a heavily indebted poor country (HIPC) to court in the UK to gain repayment of debts on any terms different to those previously agreed. Is it not the cruellest idea imaginable that when a nation is down, and its people are struggling to eat, be educated and stay healthy, that those who are rich come to kick them? And those blows from vulture funds - which can force nations to divert debt relief from citizens to legal compensation - can be so brutal that a nation may be winded for a generation or more.

And then came anti-bribery legislation that creates a new offence of bribing foreign public officials, along with a corporate offence for companies that fail to prevent bribery. People living with poverty suffer most as a result of bribery: it undermines effective governance, transparency and public services, and can lead to the loss of foreign investment. In the wake of the UK government's intervention to prevent investigation into the BAE Systems-Al Yamamah military contract with Saudi Arabia, it also goes some way to ensuring there is someone watching the watchmen. The Bribery Act is a solid stride in the right direction.

Dependent on May 6, these may be Gordon Brown's final actions as Prime Minister of the UK, but in putting them in place, he has started rolling a ball that must not be stopped. Both of these pieces of legislation acknowledge that with global market power comes global responsibility.

Their existence in law may be the first steps towards a sea change in the way the richest economies do business with the poorest.

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Pascale Palmer is CAFOD's advocacy media officer

Date: 12-04-2010

Film Club:

For a while I have been thinking about organising an event for people to get together to watch a film then discuss the issues it raises. I have access to a venue and equipment in Poole at very little cost, but am looking for partners who will help make this a stimulating and sustainable event.

To be up front about my motivation; I am a Christian who loves films and debating, (although I am not very outgoing!). I believe that my faith challenges me about the way I respond to every aspect of life and talking about complex and difficult issues can help us to confront and understand them. I also recognise that we are all different and won't necessarily have the same views or level of understanding and the greater the diversity the more interesting it could be. I am not seeking to proselytize, but to challenge and be challenged about our response to the issues raised.

If you're interested to help or just attend, please get in touch.

Jz

Date: 02-04-2010

Local Hustings:

I have been reading the election preparation information on the CARE website and wondered if any of the local churches are planning to hold a hustings?

I would be willing to volunteer to help organise one, if anyone is considering the idea. I don't have any politcal contacts, or agenda, but to believe the church should take an active role in politics and supporting our leaders.
Click here to view answer

Date: 02-04-2010

Walk of Wetness:
I went on a 'walk of witness' this morning (Good Friday) in the pouring rain. Despite the weather there was a reasonable size gathering at it's termination in Poole High Street, but as we gathered there outside the Methodist Church, a huddled mass of umbrellas I found myself wondering how it was regarded by the passing shoppers. Are we demonstrating our unwaivering faith, unhindered by a bit of rain, there to remind the world of the reason for Easter celebrations, or the stubborn remnant of a dying church, puerly following tradition, standing in the rain, unwilling to change? What impact does this sort of event really have? (One passer by did thrust a £10 into my hand for the collection, even though I wasn't taking one!)

Date: 02-04-2010