UK Aid stats: Raab must do the right thing

 

Responding to the latest statistics on Provisional UK Aid Spend for 2020, published yesterday, Layla Moran MP, Liberal Democrat Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and International Development commented: “These statistics remind us that there was always going to be a cut to UK aid spending due to the pandemic – that’s the point of having a GNI target. As the economy shrinks, so does the development budget. “The Government is acting unlawfully and dishonestly by reneging on the 0.7% of GNI spending commitment and cutting UK aid even further. Bilateral projects in Africa stand to lose the most. The Conflict, Stability and Security Fund already saw an 18.1% decrease in funding in 2020 – how is cutting spending even further in our strategic interest at all? “UK aid and development represents the best of British humanitarian values. The Liberal Democrats urge Dominic Raab to do the right thing and bring his unlawful decision to Parliament for a vote after Recess. Cutting our aid spending and breaking our promise to the world’s poorest makes a mockery of the Conservatives’ global ambitions and our reputation on the world stage.”