Oxfam saga should not trigger aid cut: Sturgeon

The Oxfam aid scandal must not be used as “cover” by those who want the UK to slash the help it provides to poorer nations overseas, Nicola Sturgeon has said.

The First Minister made clear that any sexual misconduct by aid workers was “completely and utterly unacceptable” and must be dealt with “appropriately”.

But with “no shortage of people within the current UK government who would want to see the international aid budget decimated or removed altogether”, Ms Sturgeon spoke out about the good work the sector carried out in struggling and disasterhit nations.

Her comments came as Oxfam released the findings of its investigation into the actions of relief workers sent to Haiti in the aftermath of an earthquake in 2010 which killed thousands of people.

The report found charities should be warned about “problem staff” – only for several accused of abuse to take up future posts in the aid sector.

The charity made the recommendations in detailing four dismissals and three resignations over allegations including the use of prostitutes on charity property to sexual exploitation of employees.