Member News
Draft legislation will be published to make binding my Government's commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on international development from 2013.
Queen's Speech, November 18 2009
Main benefits
• This Draft Bill puts beyond doubt the UK's determination to deliver on our long-held international development commitments particularly at this time of global economic downturn.
• It would ensure Britain contributes to increased global aid levels necessary to meet the Millennium Development Goals,
• It would ensure the predictability of aid flows for developing countries.
Main elements
• A requirement to ensure that 0.7 per cent of GNI is spent on ODA from 2013.
• There would be a requirement to report progress to Parliament annually, drawing on the reporting and transparency commitments in the 2006 International Development (Reporting and Transparency) Act. The new Draft Bill would both complement and be consistent with the 2006 Act.
• Although there is no precedent for this type of legislation, the Government already makes firm commitments on future expenditure. Examples of this include payments to the Devolved Powers, to the EU, and to international organizations such as the World Bank and the UN.
Dods commentary
Gordon Brown first announced his commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of national income on aid at the Labour party conference in September 2009.
The Conservative party has responded that they too support this goal.
"We are committed to achieving the UN target of spending 0.7% of national income as aid by 2013."
The Liberal Democrats are also determined to meet the 0.7% commitment to spending on aid. This was stated in their policy guide as early as July 2009.
Widespread speculation that the Bill had been dropped from the Queen's speech led to an outcry from campaigners.
International development charities had previously welcomed the plans.
Phil Bloomer, Oxfam campaigns and policy director, said: “Gordon Brown’s announcement will help ensure poor people are not abandoned by Britain and shows international leadership at a time when we need all countries to deliver on their promises. Every minute around the world 100 people are being forced into extreme poverty by an economic crisis they did nothing to cause.
“I am delighted that poor people will not be asked to pay the price of Britain’s budget deficit.”
Dods Parliamentary Communications Ltd