Disappointment as Queen's Speech fails to make 0.7% aid commitment law

Disappointment as Queen's Speech fails to make 0.7% aid commitment law

World Vision is pleased the Government is keeping its promise to the world’s poorest people by spending 0.7% of national income on aid by 2013. But a golden opportunity was missed today when the government failed to enshrine that promise in law in the Queen’s Speech.

Chief Executive of World Vision UK, Justin Byworth, said “The UK is rightly proud of its record on delivering for the world’s poorest people.  Across the world we can see lives being transformed and we applaud the Government for that."

“But all three main political parties have promised legislation on aid. The time has now come to honour that promise and bring forward a Bill. Children's lives are precious. Legislation is the best way to protect them from any future political game-playing. It will also mean UK foreign aid is better spent, gives better value for money and saves more lives.”

9 May 2012