Bond statement in response to Foreign Secretary speech: "Building a Network of Liberty"

Simon Starling, Director of Policy, Advocacy and Research at Bond the UK network for NGOs said:

“We welcome the Secretary of State’s commitment to provide women and girls with the support they need to succeed, and her reaffirmation that the UK will return to 0.7% GNI towards UK aid – this needs to happen as soon as possible. Efforts to build a ‘network of liberty’ must be firmly anchored in human rights and civic freedoms, both of which play a crucial role in the promotion of democracy and freedom globally. To move this ambition forward the UK must lead by example, such as by abandoning its plans to restrict protest rights here in the UK.

“Given the current global health, climate and humanitarian crises, we need to see more attention given to the critical role development plays in tackling global challenges. Whilst trade and technology are important, UK aid should go towards interventions proven to help people like health, nutrition, education and social protection.”

ENDS

The Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, speech, “Building a Network of Liberty”, setting out her foreign policy priorities at Chatham House can be watched here: https://fb.watch/9MjDPzWxA7/
On December 9-10, 2021, President Biden will host the first of two Summits for Democracy, which will bring together leaders from government, civil society, and the private sector to set forth an agenda for democratic renewal and tackling threats faced by democracies today through collective action.
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.
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