Thank you to all constituents who contacted me regarding spending on foreign aid and the 0.7% target.
As one of the MPs who encouraged the Government to enshrine this target in law in the first place I have been concerned about the proposed cut, though, the UK is currently experiencing its worst economic contraction in 300 years because of the pandemic, with a budget deficit double that caused by the 2008 financial crisis.
I have been assured that the UK will return to 0.7 per cent as soon as the fiscal situation allows and I will lobby my colleagues in Government to ensure that this is the case.
In the meantime, I am pleased that the UK will still be spending more than £10 billion in 2021 on its seven ODA priorities, as set out by the Foreign Secretary – climate change and biodiversity; global health security, including Covid-19; girls' education; responding to humanitarian crises, such as those in Yemen and Syria; science and technology; resolving conflicts and defending open societies, including human rights; and promoting trade.
I do appreciate you all taking the time to contact me on such an important issue – hearing from constituents on such a matter is very helpful to me.
With kind regards,
Yours sincerely,
Fiona Bruce MP
Member of Parliament for Congleton Constituency
