ONE responds to the Prime Minister’s suggestion of diverting aid spending to bolster defence budget

In response to Prime Minister David Cameron’s suggestion that aid spending could be used to fund peacekeeping and other defence-related projects, Adrian Lovett, Europe Executive Director at ONE said:

“Overcoming poverty in countries hit by conflict is a tough job, but it can be done.  Cutting international aid to bolster the defence budget would be counter-productive and is not the answer. The UK’s investment in fighting global poverty is needed now more than ever and must be focused on the needs of the poorest.

“Globally, extreme poverty has halved and child deaths dropped by more than 40% in just two decades. The day when aid is no longer needed is getting closer, but we are not there yet. To turn away now would be in nobody’s interest.  As chair of the G8, the UK must lead by example and protect the aid budget to ensure ordinary people have the means to escape poverty.”

ONE is a global advocacy and campaigning organisation backed by more than 3 million people from around the world dedicated to fighting extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. For more information please visit www.ONE.org

For more information and interviews contact Asha Tharoor at [email protected] or 07584 470 644.