Thanks for contacting me about overseas aid.
Like you, I do have reservations relating to the Government’s foreign aid policy and I continue to keep a close eye on this area.
I think it is important to point out, however, that spending in this area is markedly better than in comparison to the past – many of the last Labour Government’s wasteful projects have been scrapped and money is no longer sent to countries that don’t need it; China being a stark example.
The Department for International Development (DFID) has said that a number of recent newspaper articles have reported claims that misrepresent or inaccurately portray projects supported by it, or focus on projects that are no longer funded.
UK aid is spent where it is most needed and is subject to rigorous internal and external checks and scrutiny at all stages. The Government has reformed the UK's aid strategy, cutting wasteful programmes and making sure spending is firmly in the UK’s national interest. Alongside an increased Defence budget and the UK’s world class diplomatic service, our aid programme is helping to create a more prosperous and stable world in which the UK can stand tall and flourish...
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