Autumn Statement confirms UK’s commitment to world’s most vulnerable people

International children’s charity World Vision UK welcomes the Coalition Government reiterating its commitment to spend 0.7% of Gross National Income on aid this year.

Speaking during today’s Autumn Statement the Chancellor, George Osborne, said that this year the UK becomes the first country in the G8 to reach the 0.7% target, which was originally set in the 1970s.

David Thomson, Director of Policy and Programmes at World Vision UK, said:

“We commend the coalition for upholding its promise on 0.7%. When delivered, this will confirm the UK’s status as a world leader in international development.

"Clearly UK aid needs to go where it is needed most - to help the world’s poorest people living in the toughest places. The ongoing humanitarian crisis in Syria and the devastating impact of Typhoon Haiyan on the Philippines shows once again the importance of aid and international development reaching the world’s most vulnerable children and families.

“Of course, the 0.7% commitment cannot only be for one year - it needs to become the new norm and we call on the coalition government to deliver on its commitment to enshrine this in law.

“Also, it is vital that the 0.7% commitment is spent well and focuses on vital development and is not diverted in any way.”