U2 frontman Bono has confirmed that he is working with former Labour MP Douglas Alexander who lost his seat in May to 20-year-old student and rising star of the SNP Mhairi Black.
We revealed this morning that Mr Alexander, who has served as Secretary of State for International Development and shadow foreign secretary, joined the Irish singer on a private jet recently when he flew from Turin to Rwanda after a gig in the Italian city.
Mr Alexander was with a delegation from Bono’s charity One Foundation when the rock superstar personally paid to charter the plane.
The pair visited a hospital and solar energy farm in Rwanda and have also been at a business forum in Ghana together. This week, they will attend meetings in New York and Washington DC.
The former MP, who lost his seat despite spending £47,500 – the second highest in Scotland – on his local campaign, is believed to be collaborating with Bono on initiatives aimed at bringing investment to drive growth in Africa.
Bono said: “Music is what I do and it’s given me the opportunity to do a lot of other things besides, where Douglas Alexander’s experience will be of great value.
“I’ve been lucky to work with a lot of bright, committed people in my activism, and he will be a great new partner for all of us. We come from different arenas, but we share a commitment to tackling poverty through sustainable development, and a belief that both governments and businesses have an essential role.”
Mr Alexander said: “Today’s headlines understandably are focused on terrorism, refugees, conflict and the ups and downs of politics. Yet beneath all the headlines it is new technology, a globalised market and climate change that remain the most powerful forces shaping our world.
“Developing countries need aid but they also need investment to generate inclusive prosperity – to provide the jobs and revenues these countries need to deliver better living standards for their people.”
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