Wolfowitz will be on Probation as New World Bank President - Gill

Commenting on the confirmation of Paul Wolfowitz as the next president of the World Bank, Parmjit Singh Gill MP, Member of Parliament of Parliament for Leicester South, said:

"This appointment will be received with mixed feelings.

"Paul Wolfowitz will be on probation and will need to demonstrate that he will make development, in keeping with the World Bank's remit, a priority."

ENDS

Notes to Editors:

1. The BBC online coverage of the controversial confirmation of Paul Wolfowitz as the new President of the World Bank. "Wolfowitz confirmed at World Bank"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4396107.stm

2. Mr Wolfowitz was one of the brains behind the Iraq war. He called for the removal of Saddam Hussein immediately after the attacks of 11 September 2001, but was over ruled at that time. he intends to spread into development policy the same neo-conservative philosophy that has led his foreign policy. BBC online: "Wolfowitz to spread neo-con gospel"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4358045.stm

3. Even though the Wolfowitz was confirmed by the EU, it came after deep concern. This was covered by BBC online "EU is 'concerned' about Wolfowitz"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4370871.stm

4. Parmjit has formally set down his concerns over the appointment of Paul Wolfowitz in EDMs 970 and 950. These were as follows:

EDM 950

NOMINATION OF Mr PAUL WOLFOWITZ AS HEAD OF THE WORLD BANK 17.03.05

Mr David Drew

Ms Diane Abbott Mr Harry Barnes Mr Colin Breed

Richard Burden Dr Vincent Cable Mr Martin Caton

Jeremy Corbyn Mrs Ann Cryer Mr George Galloway

Andrew George Sandra Gidley Parmjit Singh Gill

Mr Mike Hancock Nick Harvey Mr David Heath

Paul Holmes Simon Hughes Mr Eric Illsley

Lynne Jones Mr Nigel Jones Mr David Lepper

John McDonnell Mr Kevin McNamara Julie Morgan

Adam Price Mr Andy Reed Mr Alex Salmond

Mr Dennis Skinner Llew Smith David Taylor

Mr Simon Thomas Mr Paul Tyler Mr Robert N Wareing

Brian White Mrs Betty Williams Derek Wyatt

37 signatures

That this House is appalled that the US Administration has chosen to nominate Paul Wolfowitz as the next head of the World Bank; believes that, as one of the architects of the invasion of Iraq, he is uniquely unsuitable to negotiate with the world's poorest countries; notes that he has no history whatsoever of demonstrating any understanding of the needs of those countries; further believes that he is the personification of how out of touch the Bush administration remains in ignoring its global responsibilities; and calls on the Government to take what steps it can to block this nomination.

5. The call for greater input by the EU into the appointment of the new World bank President was outlined in EDM 970, which Parmjit supported. Mr Wolfowitz did later take the unprecedented step to speak to representatives of the EU to calm growing concerns. This was covered by BBC online "Wolfowitz to meet EU commissioner"

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4368461.stm

6. EDM 970 gained cross party support and reads as follows:

EDM 970

Mr PAUL WOLFOWITZ 21.03.05

Mr Tony Lloyd

Mr Harry Barnes Mr Clive Betts Mr Colin Breed

Mr Martin Caton Jeremy Corbyn Mrs Ann Cryer

Mr John Cummings Andrew George Parmjit Singh Gill

Mr Win Griffiths Mr Mike Hancock Mr Eric Illsley

Lynne Jones Mr Nigel Jones Mr Mark Lazarowicz

Mr David Lepper John McDonnell Mr Kevin McNamara

Julie Morgan Mr Peter L Pike Mr Stephen Pound

Adam Price Mr Ken Purchase Syd Rapson

Mr Andy Reed Mr Alex Salmond David Taylor

Mr Simon Thomas Mr Paul Tyler Dr Rudi Vis

Mr Robert N Wareing Brian White Mrs Betty Williams

Derek Wyatt

35 signatures

That this House calls upon European countries to arrange a confirmation hearing of the type that would normally be held by the US Senate for a Presidential appointment to determine whether Paul Wolfowitz is a fit and proper person to become the President of the World Bank.