AN independent Scotland would pledge 0.7 per cent of its gross national income (GNI) to foreign aid, SNP members have decided.
A motion at the party's virtual conference was moved by Stirling MP Alyn Smith, Anniesland MSP Bill Kidd and Shetland’s candidate at next year’s election Tom Wills.
The motion – passed by members – condemned the UK Government's decision to drop the aid budget from 0.7% to 0.5% in Chancellor Rishi Sunak's spending review earlier this week.
This cut was described as “yet another example of the isolationist policies of Westminster as the Tory party strives towards an inward-looking UK” in the motion brought to the conference.
It added: “Conference commits an independent Scotland to recognising its responsibilities as one of the wealthiest nations on the planet and to invest meaningfully in international development projects the world over for the protection and betterment of humankind.”
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Smith said: “The Tory Government’s shameful decision to ditch its manifesto and legal commitment of spending 0.7% of gross national income on overseas development aid marks yet another stain on the UK’s record.
“The move is a betrayal of some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world who have been disproportionately hit by the pandemic, as well as the impact of climate change.”
He added: “While the Tories at Westminster turn increasingly insular, an independent Scotland – because of our history, our interests, and our progressive ambitions – will put international development at its heart and will be committed to the 0.7% target.”
My speech moving a topical resolution on international aid at #SNP20. Scotland is an outward looking, internationally minded nation, and we will be able to play our full part in the world when we become an independent country. pic.twitter.com/AFdQmyLrPc
— Alyn Smith MP 🏴🇪🇺🏳️🌈 (@AlynSmith) November 29, 2020
In his speech to conference, Smith described the decision to drop foreign aid commitment by the UK as a "real moment of clarity" for Scotland.
He said that Scotland and the UK are "two places on two different paths".
He continued: "To govern is to choose and we in this party have a long and proud history of not wanting to be independent to be separate or apart, we want to be independent in order to make our decisions at home, but also to join the wider world. To join the forums of the world and work with our friends, our colleagues and our neighbours towards common endeavours. Be that in the EU, in NATO, the UN or in any other forum that we need.
"Surely if the last year has taught us anything with a global pandemic, it's that climate change, the migration crisis, resource scarcity are all bigger than any one country and we need to work together to tackle them."
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Kidd accused the UK Government of “turning their back on the world”.
He said: “We know all too well that we can only tackle the coronavirus crisis effectively here at home if we also strengthen efforts to tackle it in the world’s most vulnerable areas and communities.
“Rather than recognising the global threat posed by the pandemic, as well as the other difficult challenges including poverty, hunger and climate change facing communities, the Tory Government is instead turning its back on the world.”
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