Keep aid – to avoid war with Geldof
‘ONE of the rare issues on which Cameron will lose his temper is if they try challenging him over development spending,’ says an aide.
At the Gleneagles G8 summit in July 2005, chaired by Tony Blair, the G8 committed itself to spending 0.7 per cent of gross national income on overseas development, a figure Cameron remains committed to.
In a time of austerity, Cameron comes under regular pressure about this issue. His dogged commitment to it, while refusing [at the time] to make a similar commitment on Defence, is seen by some as perverse.
Why did he give such a high standing? Christianity is not a strong overt force in his life, as it is for some supporters of overseas aid.
Political factors certainly played a part: the Tories needed to shred their ‘nasty party’ image. Throughout 2012 and into 2013, Cameron is one of the very few Ministers who actively support the 0.7 per cent commitment.
At one point, when it becomes particularly politically difficult, even Nick Clegg begins to say: ‘You know, it would make our lives much easier if we push back the 0.7 per cent.’
Cameron considers this and speaks to George Osborne about it, but in the end, they come out against change. Why? Cameron understands the benefits for Britain that ‘soft power’ can provide but it’s more than that. It’s to do with his personal commitment; a desire to avoid war with charities and non-governmental organisations, including with popular figures such as Bob Geldof; and, critically, a desire not to break promises.
Cameron and Osborne have absorbed the lessons of Clegg reneging on his tuitionfees pledge. ‘We won’t win any new friends and we’ll look like people who have no principles,’ is their view.