The chancellor believes international aid should be doubled.

Gordon Brown wants to harness worldwide horror over the fate of Asia's tsunami victims to drive forward the agenda for helping Africa.

In a long-planned speech Brown restated his goals for doubling aid and eliminating the poorest nations' debt.

Brown said 2005, in which Britain holds the EU and G8 presidencies, offers a "once-in-a-generation" chance to eradicate global poverty.

He wants a "Marshall Plan" for Africa, similar to that which rebuilt post-war Europe.

Government Response: Treasury

Gordon Brown, chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "The true test of the international community will be how we can fund and assist both the immediate day-to-day emergency services needs but also the long-term reconstruction of these countries.