The Government’s failure to keep its promises on aid to the developing world is shameful, rock star and humanitarian Sir Bob Geldof said today.

The Government pledged today to donate up to €1m to help the survivors of the devastating tidal wave which swept across southern Asia.

AS MANY as 45 million children will die needlessly over the next decade because rich nations are not giving enough money to tackle poverty, a new report claims.

Declaring that “pre-emptive wars” are against international law, Germany’s development minister has demanded to know why the world can find billions of dollars for military battles and not millions to fight poverty – “the biggest enemy”.

Countless committee meetings. Fat reports written in dense language. Reams of paperwork that tie up a complex web of officials.