High Peak Liberal Democrats

Liberal Democrat sponsored 'International Development Act' signed into law

Leon Duveen the Liberal Democrats candidate for Bassetlaw unequivocally welcomes the 'International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act' receiving royal assent [26/03/15], which enshrines into law a requirement for future governments to allocate 0.7% of the UK's national income towards overseas aid spending [1].

Liberal Democrats Michael Moore MP and Lord Purvis have spearheaded the campaign for this Act, despite facing opposition from UKIP and various members of the Conservative parliamentary ranks.

These opponents fail to recognise how the passage of this bill - which has been deemed an "historic decision" by Save the Children[2] - will bring vast benefits for both the aid recipients and the UK.

By guaranteeing our unwavering commitment to the world's most vulnerable communities, this Act will enable future independent scrutiny to centre around ensuring that our spending reaches and truly helps those most in need access vital necessities, rather than merely prolonging the time-consuming debate regarding how much to spend.

Furthermore, by becoming the first country in the G7 to back a legal commitment to the United Nations' aid spending target, the UK has strengthened our important reputation as a generous and progressive leader in the international community, setting standards for development, peace and the defence of human rights across the globe.

Leon added "Many of the poorest countries in the world were impoverished by exploitative British (and other Western countries) colonisation, yet there are some who begrudge even the relatively small amount (0.7% of GDP) of aid we give to help repair the damage we did in years gone past.

"Already UK Aid is helping over 10 million children get an education, 43 million people have access to clean water and 55 million children get immunised against preventable diseases.

"We must remember that UK Aid is also the first line of our defence against groups like ISIL and Boko Haram. By combatting poverty and want and giving hope, we take away the oxygen that these groups need to survive."

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