Aid and corruption

Tackling Corruption Overseas (report, October 19), firmly states that a zero-tolerance approach to corruption within the UK’s aid programmes is “absolutely right”. Ensuring that UK aid is protected, regardless of the circumstances, is not in doubt.

The efforts by the international community to tackle corruption, and the UK’s responsibility in that, are an essential part of the UK’s support for developing countries. To succeed in our goals of reducing poverty, encouraging economic growth and creating fairer societies, the Government has made a political commitment to contribute to a reduction in corruption and bribery across the world by 2030.

Our report gives clear examples of countries where the Department for International Development is working to support anti-corruption efforts. We are encouraged that Priti Patel’s department understands these challenges and that anti-corruption efforts are integrated into longer-term state and peace-building processes. Commons International Development Committee London SW1