Plans for a new Conservative vision for a post-Brexit 'Global Britain' says DfID could be folded into the Foreign Office and aid spending redefined. The proposals feature in a report called Global Britain: A Blueprint for the 21st century which outlines multi billion pound cuts in the UK foreign aid budget.
Commenting Girish Menon, the chief executive of ActionAid UK, said: "This report is another worrying move towards slashing our commitment to ending global poverty, and breaking up the Department for International Development in support of furthering the political and commercial interests of an increasingly ‘little’ Britain.
At ActionAid, we know from experience that women and girls are at the sharp end of global poverty. Britain plays a vital role in tackling this injustice, not only because it can make a huge difference but because we must take some responsibility to right some of the wrongs that our historical legacy has served the global south.
DFID carries significant influence in international spaces and has made great strides in putting its money where its mouth is. While there is always room for improvement, if the UK is to continue to be a world leader for its support, aid spending must continue to be fully accountable and transparent, and spent on supporting the world’s most vulnerable and delivering lasting change.
As the UK forges a new path after Brexit, foreign aid should remain a vital part of the Global Britain aspiration, and show what we can be, and have been, in generosity, integrity, and humanity."
ENDS
Notes to eds
1.ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. Our dedicated local staff are helping end violence against women and girls and changing lives, for good. We won’t stop until women and girls are out of danger, out of poverty and on track to create the future they want.