On 2 July, over two hundred and fifty thousand supporters of the make poverty history campaign gathered in Edinburgh to tell the G8 to take action on aid, trade and debt, and help the world's poorest people.

People from all over the UK assembled in the Meadows in Edinburgh at the MAKEPOVERTYHISTORY rally to take their messages to the G8. A packed programme of speeches, live music and videos re-enforced the key themes of aid, trade and debt.

Thousands marched around the city to form a human chain, as a symbolic message to the G8 to stop making poverty and commit to long term measures that will really help the world's poorest people.

Richard Miller, director of ActionAid UK, said: "From Edinburgh to Johannesburg millions of people around the world are watching the G8. There is great expectation that they will deliver a breakthrough in the fight against global poverty.

"The G8 must deliver now. The four and a half million people in sub-Saharan Africa who need life-saving AIDS drugs cannot wait any longer."

actionaid supporters tell the G8 to make poverty history
ActionAid supporters were given messages from people in Africa that had been collected during the 'Get on board' bus journey. The 'Africa 8' exhibition is also being carried on huge banners, as a walking symbol of solidarity with the people of Afirca.

"We came here because we went to Birmingham and we believe that you need to demonstate to put pressure on the G8. Events like this do change things." Mr and Mrs Harrison from Stockport, supporters for 20 years.

"I am here because global poverty is wrong, third world debt needs to be cancelled.

"I want to tell the G8 that they need to cancel the debt so that African children can get an education," Katy Oldfield, 10 years old from Edinburgh.

photo : ©David Gordon/ ActionAid UK