Effective aid

The Conservatives have some good policies in their manifesto, but these would be seriously undermined by merging DFID with another government department. Read more

Boris Johnson starts his tenure as Prime Minister at a time of unprecedented global challenges. He inherits the need to ensure Britain is a force for good in the world, including making an unequivocal commitment to women’s rights.  Read more

As Brexit looms and the UK forges a new path outside the EU, foreign aid should remain part of the Global Britain aspiration. Tackling gender inequality that locks women in poverty is key to bringing about long-term sustainable change. Read more

Rt Hon Dame Margaret Hodge, Public Accounts Committee chair until 2015, visited Zambia with ActionAid UK earlier this year to see how the UK foreign aid budget saves lives. While the Department of International Development is regarded as a world leader in effective aid, a National Audit Office report published today criticised the lack of transparency among other government departments spending that money. Here, she reflects on the report and on the urgent need for action to ensure taxpayers - and beneficiaries - get value for money. Read more

With the snap general election only weeks away, this is a chance for all political parties to lay out their vision for our country, and the role Britain can play in the world. Our shared values of equality, compassion and fair play demand that we aim for a world without poverty and injustice. And with global progress on women’s rights in real danger of being rolled back, it is vital the UK keeps championing the rights of women and girls internationally. Read more