Moran: Foreign aid cuts utterly unacceptable

Commenting on the news that the Government have made their plan to cut foreign aid offical Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs Layla Moran MP said:    “Announcing these deep, potentially unlawful aid cuts through a written statement is utterly unacceptable – the Government is hiding from MPs’ scrutiny because they know how damaging this is to the UK’s reputation on the world stage. We’re in the middle of a global pandemic – global problems need global solutions. Instead, the Conservatives are shirking their moral and legal responsibilities.    “The Conservative Government's claims that these cuts are necessary are all lies; ODA already fluctuates based on gross national income [GNI]. The truth is that these cuts will make us all less safe, and they are not in our national interest. Money for conflict resolution has been slashed. Girls’ education is absolutely vital for long-term development, and the Government repeatedly claim it’s a priority, so why is more UK aid money being spent on trade?    “Liberal Democrats will stand up for the 0.7% of GNI commitment, which we enshrined in law, and work cross-party to prevent the UK from hiding from its responsibilities during a global pandemic. We will restore the UK’s global reputation. For many vulnerable people in need around the world, the UK’s international development work has made the difference between life and death. Dominic Raab should be ashamed of this announcement.”