A new poll released by anti-poverty campaign group ONE reveals that the majority of people in the South East believe the lion’s share of aid should go to those who have the least.

Around two thirds (65%) of adults polled in the South East agreed that the majority of UK aid should be targeted at least developed countries. This is where it would have the biggest impact on ending extreme poverty.

The research, conducted by ComRes, also revealed that around three-quarters (77%) of adults in the South East agree that MPs must ensure that the UK keeps its promises to the world’s poorest.

The findings come just days after Parliament passed the International Development Act, which enshrined in law the long-standing target of investing 0.7% of national income in aid.

Lauren Stevens, a Youth Ambassador for ONE from Reading, said: “It’s great that the majority of the local public support aid going to where it is needed most. Our MPs need to consider this when making decisions about overseas development. As a ONE Youth Ambassador, I know I’m showing politicians that young people like me are passionate about aid and supporting the world’s poorest.”

Jenna Richards, a Youth Ambassador for ONE from Brighton, said:  “It makes me proud to know that people in the South East truly care and support the redirection of UK aid to those who have the least. Now I hope that successful candidates elected to represent the South East hear this loud and clear. I believe in people power and being a Youth Ambassador I can see how I’m helping shape the world to be brighter and fairer for all.”

The poll also revealed that:

• 79 per cent of adults living in the South East agree that focusing aid on girls and women helps everyone in developing countries.
• Around three out of four (74%) adults in the South East agree that poverty is sexist as women and girls are disproportionately from the effects of poverty in least developed countries.
• 86 per cent of adults in the South East agree that UK aid should be invested in preventing deadly diseases, such as malaria, Ebola and HIV/AIDS.

Diane Sheard, UK Director of ONE, said: “These results clearly show that people in the South East continue to support aid and care about its impact.

“Candidates standing for election in the South East should take note that such a large majority of voters want them to keep the UK’s promises to the world’s poorest.  They also believe that UK aid should prioritise girls and women as they are disproportionately affected by extreme poverty. 

“That’s why ONE is asking all parliamentary candidates across the country to cut the politicking and ‘Just Say Yes’ to supporting international development. The role of the next Parliament is vital to maintaining the UK’s leadership in effective and transparent aid.”

Last month ONE launched its ‘Just Say Yes’ campaign, asking would-be MPs to commit to helping the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. The campaign pledge stresses that UK’s lifesaving aid should be focused on those who have the least, that girls and women should be at the centre of development, and that all parts of the next government should work together to build a better and safer world.

ENDS

For more information please contact Chris Mitchell on 020 7434 6935 or [email protected]

Notes to Editors

1. ComRes conducted a national poll and interviewed 2,004 British adults across the UK by telephone between the 20^th and 22^nd March 2015. Data were weighted to be representative of all British adults aged 18+.  ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
2. The number of people interviewed in the South East was 285.
3. ONE is calling for at least half of all aid to be invested in the least developed countries (LDCs) by 2020.