Bond statement in response to Global Britain and Development report by the One Nation Caucus of Conservative MPs

Stephanie Draper, CEO of Bond, the UK network for organisations working in international development said:

“This is a well-timed report. We welcome many of the recommendations that highlight the importance of retaining specific parliamentary ODA scrutiny, having cabinet level representation for development and committing to OECD-DAC rules. The maintained focus on the world’s poorest people is also critical. We would urge against any move to dilute aid rules as there is a risk aid will be diverted away from those who need it towards UK diplomatic, defence and commercial interests.”

“In a year which is likely to see the first increase in the number of people living in extreme poverty in over 20 years, where up to 130 million more people could go hungry as a result of the global pandemic, it is premature to declare that poverty eradication no longer needs to be the primary focus of development assistance. The UK must maintain its role as an advocate for human rights, gender justice, transparency and open civil society which are the critical building blocks of thriving societies, but this shouldn’t replace a clear focus on poverty eradication or development.”

ENDS

1. The One Nation Caucus has today released a fifth report in our series of “One Nation Recovery Papers”, setting out options for how to reform the UKs approach to international development. “Global Britain”, authored by Anthony Mangnall MP with contributions from six other Conservatives, including two former Foreign Secretaries, is available in full here: https://onenationconservatives.files.wordpress.com/2020/11/globalbritainanddevelopment.pdf
2. Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 400 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice.
3. For further information or interviews please contact Maryam Mohsin on 07555 336029 or [email protected]