THE SNP have challenged Douglas Ross and Scottish Tory MPs to “end their deafening silence” and back cross-party efforts to force Westminster to reverse its devastating cuts to the aid budget.
It comes as Boris Johnson faces a growing rebellion from his own benches over his decision to break a manifesto and legal commitment to spend 0.7% of gross national income on overseas development aid – despite warnings that the move will hit some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable communities and undermine the UK’s efforts to secure ambitious targets and goals at this year’s COP26 summit in Glasgow.
Former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell has brought forward an amendment to the Advanced Research and Invention Agency (Aria) Bill due to come before Parliament on Monday. If passed, it would force any shortfall of the original 0.7% aid spending target to be covered by Aria’s budget.
Mitchell said: “The UK is the only G7 country cutting aid. The French are set to reach 0.7%, the Germans will exceed 0.7% this year and the Americans are increasing aid by $14 billion.”
Around 30 Tory MPs back the move – including former prime minister Theresa May.
SNP Westminster deputy leader Kirsten Oswald said: “The Tory government’s cuts to the aid budget in the middle of a global pandemic is callous to the core – punishing some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable as they face a disproportionate hit from the Covid crisis.
“It tells you all you need to know about this Tory government’s toxic priorities that as our international partners recognise the challenges and strengthen their aid spending as we prepare for key global summits, the UK is instead pulling up the drawbridge by cutting support and isolating itself further.”
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel