£6m Third World aid ‘will help big business’

UK foreign aid is being used to improve working conditions in the developing world in firms that work with huge chains such as M&S and Primark.

A new programme uses British taxpayers’ money to ‘pick up the bill’ to help those supplying goods to UK high street stores.

The £6.85million scheme, announced by International Development Secretary Anne-Marie Trevelyan, promises to ensure British consumers ‘can continue to buy affordable, high quality goods from around the world’.

Critics say it will put UK aid in the pockets of wealthy firms.

Mrs Trevelyan said: ‘This new fund will strengthen vital supply chains for UK consumers, while supporting some of the most vulnerable workers in developing countries. It will make a real difference to people in the UK and abroad.’

The Government will contribute £4.85million to the fund, which will operate in partnership with charities such as Care UK, the Fairtrade Foundation and Ethical Trade Initiative. It is designed to ‘support workers in developing countries during the coronavirus pandemic and help keep some of the UK’s favourite products on high street shelves’.

The announcement said it will benefit nearly a million people.

But critics pointed out that the companies already have a moral obligation to protect workers in their supply chain.

Other British firms that will ultimately benefit include Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Morrisons, Co-op and Waitrose.

Labour MP Kate Osamor, a member of the Commons International Development Committee, said: ‘It is a disgrace that the Government is funnelling the aid budget into the pockets of wealthy businesses.’

A DfID spokesman said: ‘ UK aid is not going to British businesses. DfID’s grant funding is providing support to workers and farmers through civil society partners that are working with businesses and their supply chain.’