Private Members Bill aims to establish 0.7% on aid in law

Liberal Democrat Michael Moore MP is sponsoring a Private Members Bill to enshrine in law the UK’s commitment to spend 0.7 percent of Gross National Income (GNI) on international development.

Speaking of his reasons for choosing the issue of international aid for his Bill, Mr Moore explained that: “Enshrining this target in law will enable the developing countries we support and the NGOs the Government works with to anticipate the assistance they will receive and plan effectively. There is no doubt that spelling out the UK’s aid commitments will also be a powerful tool to leverage outstanding commitments from other donor countries.”

This Bill has considerable cross-party support and represents an issue that was included in all three main political parties’ manifestos at the last election. The UK already spends 0.7% GNI on international development, but by enshrining it in law will secure the UK's commitment to international development in the future.

“It is an encouraging sign that there remains strong support for international development amongst politicians in the UK,” said Malaria Consortium Chief Executive Charles Nelson.  “The UK is a world leader in many areas of development, including the fight against malaria and neglected tropical diseases, and we hope that cross-party support will continue for this Bill to become law.”

Keywords: Advocacy and policy

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