UK aid to most corrupt nations has risen 10pc despite series of scandals
UK aid to corrupt countries soared by 10 per cent last year.
Almost £1.39billion was sent to the world’s 20 most crooked states last year – up from £1.26billion in 2015.
The cash was handed over despite warnings some would be wasted, stolen or even given to terrorists.
The Department for International Development (Dfid) insists it has a ‘zero tolerance’ approach to corruption. But critics warn it is wrong to boost aid to countries where there is a clear risk of it being diverted. The Government is committed to spending 0.7 per cent of UK income on foreign aid – £13.4billion last year.
Tory MP Peter Bone said: ‘Why would you be giving more money to corrupt countries where there’s every chance it will end up in the Swiss bank accounts of dictators?
‘These are some of the worst regimes in the world and people will be shocked we are giving them so much money.’
Transparency International, a respected think-tank, produces an annual list of the world’s most corrupt countries. Analysis by the Daily Mail shows Britain sends aid money to 18 of the worst 20.
Major beneficiaries this year include Somalia and Syria, where there are documented cases of Western aid money being appropriated by terrorist groups.
The Government was forced to suspend a £12million aid scheme
‘Worst regimes in the world’
to Syria this month amid revelations the cash was in danger of going to jihadi groups.
Aid money sent to Somalia is at risk of being ‘taxed’ by terror groups such as Al Shabab.
An internal Dfid ‘risk register’ concluded last year there was a ‘certain’ chance of funds being diverted by extremist groups.
Overall, the aid budget rose by 11 per cent from 2015 to 2016, growing from £12.1billion to £13.4billion. Aid to Somalia rose by £30million – or 25 per cent. Aid to Syria rose by 36 per cent, or more than £94million.
A Dfid spokesman said: ‘Dfid does not provide financial aid directly to the governments of any of these countries. UK aid goes to trusted partners to save babies’ lives, prevent famine and get children into school. Dfid has tough measures in place to protect taxpayers’ money.’