‘Real concern’ over reports that aid legislation may be dropped from Queen’s Speech

Aid agency World Vision UK is voicing concerns over reports that a government commitment to meet a 43-year old promise on foreign aid may not be enshrined in law.

In this year's Budget the government committed to deliver 0.7% of Britain's Gross National Income in 2013. In the coalition agreement in 2010, the government undertook to introduce a bill to enshrine this commitment in law. 

But recent reports suggest the legislation may have been dropped from tomorrow’s Queen’s Speech.

Justin Byworth, Chief Executive of World Vision UK, said: “In March this year the UK government demonstrated real leadership as it kept a historic promise and committed 0.7 per cent of UK national income to foreign aid this year.
 
“It is therefore a real concern that the government may not keep its manifesto pledge by making this commitment law in this week’s Queen’s Speech. We know that smart, targeted, predictable aid works. It has already helped save five million children’s lives a year.

“We understand that there are economic challenges in the UK, but as we deal with these we must not forget about the millions of children who will go to bed hungry tonight and are relying on our long term support for a brighter future.”

The bill, prepared more than 12 months ago, was set to come into law ‘when time allowed’. The Queen’s Speech, which takes place tomorrow, will set out the government’s legislative plans for the next year.