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The Queen's Speech sets out UK commitment to aid

25 May 2010

Press release from DFID, 25 May 2010:

Yesterday, as part of the Queen's Speech, our commitment to spending 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) on official development assistance every year from 2013 was underlined. The government is also committed to enshrining the 0.7% target in law, as set out in the Coalition Agreement.

The UK government believes that this commitment on aid is both morally right and in our national interest. It will place Britain in a position of clear international leadership, encourage other countries to live up to their commitments and generate momentum ahead of September's UN summit on the Millennium Development Goals.

The government believes that the quality of aid is just as important as the quantity of it. So value for money will be central to everything DFID does: using the power of independent evaluation, transparency and results-focus to maximise the effectiveness of Britain's aid efforts.

Please contact DFID's press office on enquiry@dfid.gov.uk or 0207 023 0600 with any queries.

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Enshrining 0.7% GNI as ODA was one of the key asks of the UK Government detailed in the Vote Global manifesto, which is endorsed by over 200 organisations. The manifesto was produced by Bond together with members and partner networks.

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