I recently received a
number of emails from constituents who are concerned about the future of our
international aid budget and asking me to ensure that it is helping to deliver
better healthcare outcomes for children overseas.
I am proud of our commitment to spend 0.7% of our budget in international aid,
which is helping to build a safer, healthier, more prosperous world for people
in developing countries and in the UK.
British aid goes towards vaccinating children from preventable diseases,
enabling them to go to school and helping people work their way out of poverty,
as well as providing food, nutrition and medical care.
Our commitment to the international community is enshrined in the International
Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act which was passed by
Parliament in 2015.
Last year, the government hit its 0.7% spending target, contributing a total of
£13.9bn to the international aid budget. The UK is world leader in delivering
international aid, as the only G7 country to meet the UN recommended 0.7%
target.
I would like to see the Government maintain its commitment on international aid
and will be speaking up for its ability to transform lives and tackle the root
causes of global issues.
With specific regard to the upcoming replenishment of the Global Financing
Facility for Every Woman and Child (GFF), the UK Government has already
contributed £30 million towards the development of GFF across the world. MPs
were recently informed by DFID Ministers that "decisions about any
potential future support from the UK will be taken in due course". It is
important for UK Aid to help deliver access to healthcare for children in need
and I will be closely monitoring future developments regarding DFID's support
for GFF
