Blair must make aid breakthrough - George

12.00.00am BST (GMT +0100) Wed 8th Jun 2005

Commenting on the Prime Minister's meeting with President Bush, Liberal Democrat Shadow International Development Secretary, Andrew George MP said:

"It was an optimistic attempt on the part of the Prime Minister to call in favours from the President. But we can only tell how successful this is when we see the colour of George Bush's money.

"The US has spent well over $100bn on Iraq, but devotes just $4bn a year in aid to Africa.

On debt relief Mr George said:

"The US and others must also deliver genuine debt relief for the poorest nations. It is illogical and unacceptable that for every $2 in aid Africa receives, it repays $1 of debt."