I have been a member of the International Development Select Committee since I joined Parliament in 2010.
Last week, the Committee visited Nepal to inspect UK-funded aid programmes and ensure that the taxpayer is getting value for money in its overseas development spending.
I am proud that the British flag around the world has long stood for compassion, support and aid to the world’s poorest – and this is what those running the programmes we inspect tell us.
However, the UK has reduced its spend on overseas aid from 0.7% of GDI to 0.5% of GDI since Covid, in a move which I spoke out against and feel is a step back from our longstanding commitments on the world stage.
During this visit, and in our evidence sessions which we held in the UK, it is clear that the UK’s withdrawal of funding from these programmes has a massive impact on their ability to deliver education, healthcare, women’s and girls’ empowerment and employment.
I hope that as soon as our economy returns to growth, the Chancellor will immediately reinstate our commitment to the world’s poorest.