Britain attacks EU over Aids

Britain today rounded on the European Union for its paltry contribution to fighting Aids.

Speaking on World Aids Day, International Development Minister Gareth Thomas said the EU spent only £13.5 million on research into the disease last year compared with £224 million spent by the US.

"During our EU presidency we will continue to focus on working to raise money for more funding for Aids vaccines," Mr Thomas said.

UN envoy Stephen Lewis said it was "mass murder by complacency" for two million people to die of Aids-related illness in Africa this year.

Tony Blair said the spread of Aids there was a "terrible situation" and claimed the UK had led the way by trebling aid and trying to resolve debt.