MP Backs Calls for More International Aid

Neil Gerrard, Labour MP for Walthamstow, is backing calls for the Government to commit itself to increased international aid. "One of the most important Millennium Development Goals was to halve the proportion of the world's population living in absolute poverty by 2015" said Mr Gerrard. "Reports now suggest that without significant increases in aid many countries will find it impossible to meet this target."

"The United Nations has for many years asked richer countries to give 0.7% of their gross domestic product in international aid. Our Government has made some very real improvements , and is now committed to meeting a target of 0.4% of GDP by 2006, which I welcome, but we need to do more."

"I am asking the Government to use the 2004 spending review to set out a timetable for reaching the UN target in as short a time as possible. The Department for International Development , which was only established when the Labour Government came to power in 1997, has a good record, and is respected internationally. I would like to see us now leading by example in increasing our aid to the poorest countries."

January 2004

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