§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Prime Minister what the Government's priorities were when the UK last held the G8 presidency; and what priorities will be set for the next presidency. [184222]
§ The Prime MinisterThe priorities of the G7 summit held in Birmingham in 1998 were increasing employment, the environment and crime, particularly drugs and money laundering. We also sought to take steps forward on debt relief, which led to the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.
The main priorities for the UK presidency of the G8 in 2005 will be Africa and climate change. The work of the Commission for Africa and taking forward the Kyoto Protocol will be major parts of our agenda.
We will also take forward issues from this year's G8 meeting in the United States including reform in the Middle East, counter-terrorism, non-proliferation and trade.