The 0.7 per cent overseas aid commitment

That this House expresses concern and condemnation of any attempt by the Government to reduce aid spending by ending the UK’s commitment to spend 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income (GNI) on Overseas Development Assistance; notes that the 0.7 per cent target was adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1970, was first achieved by the UK in 2013, has been met every year since, and is currently enshrined in law through the International Development Act 2015; recognises that maintaining the commitment was part of the Conservative Party manifesto the Government was elected on in December 2019; acknowledges the significant cross-party support for the commitment with a further six parties supporting spending 0.7 per cent of GNI on aid at the last general election; notes that the Independent Commission for Aid Impact has found that the Government’s approach to managing the target has become increasingly effective and well-coordinated; understands that UK aid spending makes a significant contribution to the delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals, tackling global challenges such as eradicating poverty, promoting gender inequality, and taking action on climate change; is deeply worried that the UK aid budget is already experiencing drastic reductions due to the fall in GNI which will be compounded by the end of the 0.7 per cent commitment; believes that it is unacceptable to turn to neglect the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people, particularly while the covid-19 pandemic drives more people into poverty; and calls on the Government to live up to its international responsibilities and maintain the 0.7 per cent aid commitment.