PRIME MINISTER-in-waiting Gordon Brown has been urged to be bold and go further in the fight against world poverty.

While Mr Brown was being appointed Labour Party leader yesterday, international aid agency Oxfam took their message to his Kirkcaldy and Cowdenbeath constituency where they set out what they want from his premiership.

Judith Robertson, head of Oxfam in Scotland, joined local Oxfam shop manager Sharon McLardy in Kirkcaldy High Street with a large map of Africa bearing the words ‘Go further on fighting poverty Gordon!’

Mr Brown will become Prime Minister when he meets the Queen on Wednesday, so the charity took the chance to make their wishes clear.

Oxfam wants the new administration under Gordon Brown to stick to the aid promises made at the G8 summit at Gleneagles in 2005 and lead the international community in making health and education accessible for all.

Britain should commit to delivering 0.7% of national income within five years, they said.

They also urged him to follow a more ethical foreign policy based on justice and fairness, and to take strong action to tackle climate change and help the poorest countries adapt to its effects.

Judith Robertson said, “Mr Brown has recently said that all his heroes demonstrated courage.

“Oxfam is therefore asking him to be courageous and use his time as Prime Minister to overcome worldwide poverty.

“He should seize the chance to meet Britain’s aid commitments. He should also help create a world where education and health services are accessible to all.”

She added, “In an uncertain world, Gordon Brown should adopt a foreign policy which puts justice and fairness at its heart.

“If Gordon Brown wants to show he has a brave heart he has to go for it. Global poverty and its causes should be at the top of his policy agenda.”

Sharon McLardy, agreed, adding, “People in Kirkcaldy are excited about Gordon Brown being Prime Minister.

“I would like to see him go down in history as the first prime minister to beat global poverty, not only for the people in this town but for the millions throughout the world living in extreme poverty.”