UKIP on foreign aid
Originally published by South Lincolnshire Liberal Democrats
The Liberal Democrats have attacked plans by UKIP to slash foreign aid so it would account for only 0.2% of GDP.
Tom Brake MP, Liberal Democrat Foreign Affairs spokesperson, said of Patrick O'Flynn's announcement:
"Patrick O'Flynn is widely considered to be Paul Nuttall's brain. But this, to be charitable, is politics at its least thoughtful.
"Ensuring that 0.7% of GDP is spent on foreign aid was a major achievement of Liberal Democrats in the coalition. It allowed us to vaccinate millions of children against ghastly diseases, stop humanitarian disasters and fight the horrific practice of Female Genital Mutilation.
"UKIP would cheerfully see a child starve to death if it won them some cheap, snarling clip on the evening news.
"As the Conservatives move ever further to the right, UKIP are trying to sound ever more extreme to seem relevant. The Liberal Democrats are the very opposite of UKIP, campaigning to keep Britain open, tolerant and united."
Anita Day, PCC for Grantham and Stamford adds:
"This announcement shows UKIP in its true colours... mean, nasty and unthinking.
"Foreign aid is not only the right thing to do.... but by playing our full part in supporting countries which are struggling, we form alliances and friendships which may one day lead to trade agreements with emerging countries.
"Right now, with the Hard Brexit negotiations going so well, we need all the friends we can get!"