Today, opposition MPs and a handful of Conservative party rebels failed in their bid to overturn the Government's decision to slash the foreign aid budget from 0.7% of gross national revenue (GNR) to 0.5%.
From the 2019 Conservative manifesto.
— Best for Britain (@BestForBritain) July 13, 2021
This government doesn't know how to do anything but break promises. Especially those it makes to the most vulnerable, the world's poorest, the people most in need of help. pic.twitter.com/gRW98UYq7J
The decision will mean that billions of pounds will no longer go to help some of the most vulnerable people in the world, including those living with war, famine and the worst impacts of climate change. It breaks Britain's international commitments as well as the promises made by the Conservative Party in their manifesto at the last election.
Despite condemnation from all living former prime ministers, countless chartitable groups and a sizeable number of their own backbenchers, the Government announced a surprise vote on their motion.
Unfortunatley the bankbench rebellion was not large enough to defeat the government whose motion passed with 333 votes to 298.
Naomi Smith, Chief Executive of Best for Britain said,
“Not for the first time this government has broken international commitments, dropped manifesto promises and trashed ‘Global Britain’ all in one go.
"This mean act against some of the most vulnerable in the world will make Britain less secure in the long term and its reversal must be immediate, not subject to fiscal hurdles this government has no intention of jumping."
Notes to Editors
About Best for Britain: Best for Britain is a pro-internationalist campaign group that strives for the best social, economic, environmental, and democratic outcomes for the British people. We believe this requires re-engagement with Europe, open, internationalist policies, and cooperation with business, all parties in parliament, and like-minded groups.