Aid cuts raise the risk of new Covid variants

Responding to reports that the UK Government plans to cut funding for life-saving water projects in developing countries, as well as slashing funding for polio eradication, Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and International Development, commented: “Now we can see why the Foreign Secretary is hiding the details of the Government’s deep, potentially unlawful aid cuts. In the middle of a global pandemic no less, water, sanitation and hygiene programmes are being cut to the bone. Deep cuts to polio eradication efforts are shocking and could prevent the disease being eliminated. “Cutting aid for water and sanitation raises the risks of new variants, which could wash up on our shores. The Liberal Democrats will stand up against these cuts and for the 0.7% of GNI commitment, which we enshrined in law. The Government must immediately publish all details of its planned aid spending this financial year and tell us if any impact assessments for Covid-19 efforts were carried out.”