UK's overseas aid - 2009-04-28

The Times, 28 April 2009 

Sir, Your leading article ("The avoidance Budget", April 23) fails to take into account the strong commitment made in the Budget to maintaining levels of development aid to the world's poorest countries.

The Prime Minister and the Chancellor have understood that it is essential that the UK provides the global leadership needed as governments in the developing world struggle to get children into school, provide medicines and build health systems. Yet the reality is that many other G8 countries are tempted to renege on their commitments to providing long-term, predictable funding for efforts to meet the Millennium Development Goals.

Now is not the time to backslide because developing countries are far from being isolated from the effects of the global economic crisis. They face a slowdown in investment, difficulties in raising capital, diminishing foreign reserves and falls in exports. Predictions suggest we are likely to see an increase of up to 400,000 infant deaths as a direct result. Ensuring effective international aid is not only a moral imperative but also a smart investment in a fairer, safer and more prosperous future for us all.

Glenys Kinnock, MEP

Labour, Wales

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