TAVISTOCK resident Kit Harbottle was among 1,200 campaigners who recently travelled to Westminster to meet their MP and talk about poverty.

Six aid agencies, including Save the Children and Oxfam, invited supporters from around the country to talk to politicians about solving poverty over a cup of tea.

Kit, representing Tavistock supporters of Christian Aid, had arranged to meet MP for West Devon and Torridge Geoffrey Cox, but instead had a constructive discussion with his parliamentary assistant as Geoffrey was unwell. She also had an opportunity to talk to experts on international development, and hear from both the Secretary of State Andrew Mitchell and his shadow Harriet Harman how they value volunteers' passion for reducing inequality.

Kit said: 'I was glad to hear from Carol that Geoffrey supports two of the three ways in which the agencies think Britain can help tackle poverty across the world. One is to uphold the government's commitment to give 0.7% of national income in aid by 2013.

'He understands that this is not only morally right but in our national interest. Another is to ensure company transparency to reduce the tax-dodging which loses poor countries more money than they receive in aid. He will press the chancellor for an action plan on this and I look forward to hearing the response.

'Unfortunately we disagree about the value of a Robin Hood Tax – a tiny tax on financial deals – which campaigners want the G20 to consider this year.'

Kit will take up an invitation to meet Geoffrey in the constituency later in the summer to discuss progress on these issues, and would be happy to hear from others who would like to be involved. Contact Kit on 01822 616658.