,
Labour's Shadow Cabinet Minister for International
Development, commenting on the Government's
International Development Strategy, said:
"'Aid for trade' simply doesn't work. British people want the aid
budget to help those most in need around the world, not
horse-traded for favours to big British corporations. The
Government appears to want to take us back to the 1980s and
corruption scandals like the Pergau Dam. It's not just bad for
those facing famine and conflict - it's short-sighted and wrong.
"This strategy also dramatically weakens and will cut funds to
the United Nations and our multilateral system. In the middle of
climate change and war in Ukraine, Britain must not turn its back
on the world's poorest. The truth is that the Government aren't
taking back control. Where once we led, this strategy risks
relegating Britain to a secondary role in the international
order.
"If this government was serious about helping the world's
poorest, it would start by returning to 0.7% immediately, not in
the distant future. Without money behind it, this strategy is
barely worth the paper it is written on."
Ends
Notes to editors:
- Labour set out five basic tests for the International
Development Strategy - to return to 0.7%; to restore the UK's
development expertise; to target aid on poverty reduction; to
prioritise climate, conflict and health funding; and to make the
case that long-term development works. Sadly, it fails all five.
