By Robert Winnett in Hokkaido
Tuesday July 08 2008
WORLD leaders provoked an outcry after they had a six-course lunch followed by an eight-course dinner at the G8 summit where the global food crisis tops the agenda.
Hours earlier British prime minister Gordon Brown was urging the world to reduce the "unnecessary demand'' for food and calling on British families to stop wasting food.
Mr Brown and his wife Sarah were among 15 guests at the "blessings of the earth and the sea social dinner'', which consisted of 18 dishes in eight courses including caviar, smoked salmon, Kyoto beef and a 'G8 fantasy dessert'.
The banquet was accompanied by five different wines including champagne, a burgundy and sake.
African leaders, including the heads of Ethiopia, Tanzania and Senegal, who had taken part in talks during the day, were not invited to the function.
The dinner came just hours after a "working lunch'' consisting of six courses including white asparagus and truffle soup, crab and a supreme of chicken.
The lavish dining arrangements -- disclosed by the Japanese government which is hosting the summit in Hokkaido -- came at a time of concern over rising food prices triggered by a shortage of many basic necessities.
Extravagant
Opposition politicians and charities condemned the meals served as extravagant.
Dominic Nutt of Save the Children said: "It is deeply hypocritical that they should be lavishing course after course on world leaders when there is a food crisis and millions cannot afford a decent meal to eat.
"If the G8 wants to betray the hopes of a generation of children, it is going the right way about it.''
Talks at the summit will focus on dealing with soaring food and oil prices. A breakthrough is also being sought on talks to secure a new global trade deal. (© Daily Telegraph, London)
- Robert Winnett in Hokkaido
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