Britons doubt Live 8's success
2005-06-22 13:50
London - Most Britons think the Live 8 concerts next month to boost awareness about poverty in Africa and protests outside a Group of Eight (G8) summit in Scotland will fail to help solve the problem, a poll showed Wednesday.
The gigs in London and other major cities on July 2 have been organised by rock star activist Bob Geldof to pressure leaders from the G8 world powers to lift Africa out of its misery at their July 6 to July 8 summit.
But the survey by YouGov and Sky News found almost three-quarters of people quizzed believed African governments had the biggest impact on the continent's standard of living and economy.
And over half suggested investment by top international businesses in Africa would raise its prospects.
In contrast, just 16% thought the simultaneous concerts, featuring headline acts such as U2, Paul McCartney, Madonna and Coldplay, would make a significant difference.
A meagre 6% felt protests called for by Geldof near the summit venue at Gleneagles, northwest of Edinburgh, would help to fight poverty.
Prime Minister Tony Blair has put the challenge of helping Africa through cancelling debt, boosting aid and freer trade at the top of his G8 wish list along with combating climate change.
But just a third of those surveyed in the poll agreed Africa should headline the annual summit's agenda.
Nearly half of people asked, however, agreed on the need to discuss global warming. They argued stemming the flow of asylum seekers and immigrants should be the second priority, followed by helping Africa and tackling terrorism.
YouGov and Sky News surveyed 2 021 people across Britain.
- AFP