Labour Party
Rt. Hon. Douglas Alexander MP, Secretary of State for International Development, Labour Party
"I am proud that it was Labour who established a dedicated Department for International Development in 1997, untied our aid, and focussed our aid firmly on poverty eradication as its primary purpose.
Since then we have helped tackle poverty and make life better for millions worldwide, and have been recognised as a world leader in our aid effectiveness. Our commitment to international development at the highest levels of our party - both as a moral cause and because it is in our common interest will continue. Change happens by choice - not chance.
It was Labour who chose to make one of the key focuses of our G8 summit in 2005 tackling global poverty, and Labour who has continued to keep our promises, despite the recent global economic crisis.
We have trebled our aid since 1997 to reach the highest level since 1970, are on track to meet our 0.7% aid promise from 2013, and are now also committed to enshrining this in law. (NB You can back the 0.7% law at www.globalpovertypromise.com) This sits in stark contrast with how the Tories halved the aid budget - and how they refuse to commit to introduce a law..."
Continue reading - the full submission by the Labour Party (pdf)
Read more about the Labour Party manifesto
