Nick Clegg and Andrew Mitchell open the suitcase containing 1.3 million messages in support of the Millennium Development Goals from campaigners.
© Justin Tallis/Bond 2010
UNICEF UK, along with other development organisations, presented Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg and Andrew Mitchell, Secretary of State for International Development, with 1.3 million signed petitions in support of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at a special event on Wednesday.
The Deputy Prime Minister, who will be attending the important meeting to look at progress on the MDGs at the United Nations in New York next week, said at the event that it is "a moral commitment to keep the promises that were made in 2000."
On the UK government's promise to make sure international aid rises to 0.7 per cent of UK national income by 2013 Clegg said that this would not have been achievable without the "passion and engagement" of the UK public.
UNICEF UK young campaigner Harry Phinda presented the 1.3 million messages from campaigners in a suitcase, to Mr Clegg and Mr Mitchell, saying: "When you travel to New York next week, the hopes of this nation will travel with you. To remind you of the wishes of the many people like me who have taken action on the Millennium Development Goals, we have packed a suitcase for you full of important messages."
Among the messages were over 5,000 signatures from UNICEF UK and Tagd campaigners who took our campaign action calling on Mr Clegg to prioritise water and sanitation for the most vulnerable children at the meeting.