Cuts to foreign aid
sir – Reports that the 0.7 per cent of gross national income aid target is under threat (November 18) are concerning. Maintaining this commitment underpins the aspiration for a global Britain that is open and outward-looking.
Ahead of the UK’S presidency of the G7 and our chairing of the United Nations Climate Change Conference next year, we hope the Government continues to recognise the importance of preserving the scale and quality of funding for tackling long-lasting humanitarian crises and climate shocks around the globe.
Now, more than ever, Britain must live up to its compassionate values and sustain its global leadership role in the face of the biggest health emergency of our lifetime.
Mike Adamson
Chief Executive, British Red Cross London EC2
sir – Boris Johnson must ignore Tony Blair and David Cameron, who warn against proposed cuts to the foreign aid budget (report, November 21).
It is ridiculous to designate a fixed per cent of GDP every year, regardless of need, when jobs and businesses are struggling under the Covid restrictions. Countries such as India that have space programmes should be aiding their own poor. Donations should be as needed, not mandated. Trevor Norris
Ross-on-wye, Herefordshire
sir – Since the independence era, much British aid to the developing world has been in handouts, which – being misapplied, misappropriated or perpetuating a dependency mentality – often do more harm than good.
Experience across Africa over the past 60 years clearly shows that what is wanted and needed are skills and help that allow the continent to help itself. Until its tragic demise 10 years ago, these were provided by the retired volunteers of the British Executive Service Overseas, the much-missed and incredibly effective charity that was originally set up by the Ministry of Overseas Development, the Institute of Directors and the Confederation of British Industry. It should be revived as matter of urgency.
Jonathan Lawley
Formerly of Her Majesty’s Overseas Civil Service and Senior Adviser to the Business Council for Africa Stowmarket, Suffolk