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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Gavin Cordon

Geldof urged Blair to take international lead on aid for Africa

Tony Blair and Bob Geldof, at the 2005 G8 summit at Gleneagles (Bruce Adams/PA) - (PA Archive)

Bob Geldof urged Tony Blair to take the lead in overhauling the system of international development aid for Africa as he considered African leadership on the issue to be “very weak”, according to newly released government files.

The LiveAid campaigner and former rock star was instrumental in persuading Mr Blair to establish his Commission for Africa which paved the way for a landmark agreement by the world’s richest nations to boost aid and write off debt.

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