John Battle pledges support to campaign to tackle AIDS

Local MP John Battle (Leeds West) joined a coalition of charities in Parliament Square earlier this week to call on the Government to strengthen its efforts to tackle HIV and AIDS.

Mr Battle met charity representatives from the Stop AIDS Campaign – a coalition of over 80 UK-based NGOs - around a giant AIDS ribbon made of 6000 red carnations. Each flower represented one person who dies of AIDS-related illnesses every single day.

Mr Battle agreed to support the Stop AIDS Campaign as it calls on the Government to keep their promises on HIV and AIDS as it launches a new three-year Strategy to tackle AIDS in early 2008. He promised to raise the issues with the Secretary of State for International, Douglas Alexander, and support an ‘Early Day Motion’ (no.183) in the House of Commons.

Mr Battle said: “World leaders committed themselves to ensuring AIDS treatment for all by 2010. But we are still a long way from achieving that target. With just 3 years remaining, over 70% of people do not have access to the HIV drugs they need to stay alive. The AIDS epidemic seriously undermines efforts to eradicate poverty and its effects in the least developed countries and is one of the greatest challenges facing humanity.

“I have raised the issue with the Secretary of State Douglas Alexander and put my name to a motion on the issue in Parliament. We need to keep the pressure up.”

Mr Battle will also be speaking at the Leeds World AIDS Day vigil on 1 December at 5pm in the Carriageworks Theatre in Millennium Square.

©John Battle MP 29 November 2007

Related Articles

• View Menu In Large Print • Health in the Community • John Battle MP Springs Into Spring • House of Commons Mental Health Debate, 25 June 2002 • John Battle MP says Leeds Needs a Children's Hospital • John Battle Praises Good Advice At The Doctors' • John Battle MP Welcomes New NHS Money For Leeds • John Battle MP launches Parliamentary Motion On Epilepsy • Big Hearted MP Urges Romantics To Help The BHF Raise £1Million This Valentine's Day! • John Battle MP Backs Disabled Rights Campaign • MP Demands Action On Digital Hearing Aids • MP opens new mobility centre in Armley • Local MP visits RNIB stand for a sight into the future • 'Save epilepsy nurses' - MP's plea to Government • MP Battle Calls For Government Support For Breast Screening Services • John Battle pledges support to campaign to tackle AIDS • Local MP Calls On Government To End Disability Poverty • MP Welcomes NICE Decision On Alimta • Leeds MP Makes Plea For “The Campaign that will die out” • MP's concern over incapacity changes • MP has burning message for West Leeds youngsters • MP celebrates NHS at 60