Member News
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to spend 0.7 percent of gross national income on international aid, from 2013.
The commitment to reach the target falls short of enshrining it in legislation, which numerous aid agencies and charities have been calling for.
If 0.7 per cent is reached in 2013, it will be the first time the United Kingdom has met the international commitment.
Response: Brendan Cox, policy director, Save the Children UK
"While the Coalition deserves real credit for sticking to its aid commitments, today was a missed opportunity to deliver on its promise to enshrine it in law.
"Aid has been a critical factor in why four million fewer children under 5 are dying each year than in 1990 and the UK has helped lead the world in that effort.
"However, today's failure to bring forward legislation means future aid budgets could be cut too easily and poor countries will find it harder to plan their budgets.
"We often call on poor country governments to be more accountable and to honour their commitments - today's failure to legislate on the aid target was a missed opportunity to show that the British government will lead by example."
Response: War Child
The UK government has stuck its head above the parapet and stood its ground on their commitment, yet we are in a somewhat contrary situation whereby implementation has preceded legislation. In most circumstances we might find ourselves complaining that laws are created and not effectively enforced and here we are with the Department for International Devlopment's (DFID) budget soaring and no law to maintain a steady flow of aid that can ensure long-term and sustainable benefit.
There are no compelling reasons as to why 0.7 per cent should not be enshrined in law: there are 22 states that have committed to the 0.7 per cent target - 5 of which have already achieved it. This target is realistic by way of the very concept it is built on.
If our economic circumstances change for the worse then our national contributions in terms of monetary value will dwindle along with our economy, and our contributions will stay proportionate to our ability to fund them. That is why 0.7 per cent is so widely accepted, because it is a matter of principle not 'sacrifice'.
Response: Ben Jackson, chief executive, Bond
"We strongly welcome the UK Government reiterating their commitment to reach the 0.7% target by 2013, two years ahead of the international 2015 target. This further underlines the strong international leadership role the UK has played in fighting global poverty. Yet, we are disappointed not to see any reference to the promised aid legislation.
"We believe that reaching 0.7% is critical to fully address the scale of global development and poverty challenges and that effective UK aid does make a critical difference to the lives of millions of people.
"To enshrine this target in legislation is key to protect the UK aid budget for the future and will allow the debate to move from quantity to fully focus on the vital issue of the quality of aid. We hope to see the bill being introduced to Parliament at the very earliest possibility."