UK Vows to Boost Aid for World’s Poorest at Scotland Conference
International Development Minister Andrew Mitchell took centre stage in Scotland to pledge the UK Government’s ongoing commitment to aiding the poorest communities worldwide.
£11bn Aid Budget Drives Global Crisis Response
Speaking at the Scottish International Development Alliance’s spring conference in Glasgow, Mitchell highlighted the UK’s £11 billion foreign aid budget. He credited the fund for leading humanitarian efforts in crises like the Ukraine war and the recent Turkey-Syria earthquake disaster, which claimed over 50,000 lives.
Mitchell also reaffirmed the UK’s pledge to reclaim its spot as a global development leader, as detailed in the Integrated Review Refresh published on 13 March.
UK Promises to Restore 0.7% GNI Aid Spending
The Government remains committed to restoring its official development assistance (ODA) spending to 0.7% of gross national income (GNI) once fiscal conditions permit.
Andrew Mitchell said: “The UK will go further and faster on international development, reinvigorating our position as a global leader and driving our work to improve outcomes for the poorest, combat climate change, and tackle root causes of geopolitical instability.”
“We remain one of the world’s most generous aid donors, spending over £11 billion in 2021, ranking third among G7 nations for ODA as a share of GNI.”
“Scottish firefighters and medics have been crucial in aiding Turkey during their crisis, while Scottish charities like Edinburgh-based Mercy Corps and The HALO Trust continue vital work in Ukraine, all backed by UK aid.”
“Despite challenges like the pandemic and Russia’s war on Ukraine, our development aid is saving and transforming millions of lives globally.”
Scotland at the Heart of UK’s Global Aid Efforts
The Scottish International Development Alliance, hosting the event titled ‘Out of the Storm and Towards Global Solidarity,’ is Scotland’s umbrella body for civil society groups. The conference featured top speakers, including reps from BRAC UK, Save the Children, UN trade experts, and NatWest Group.
Mitchell also welcomed the Foreign Secretary James Cleverly’s announcement of the FCDO’s first International Women and Girls Strategy, placing gender equality front and centre of UK foreign policy.
He addressed 800 FCDO staff at Abercrombie House in East Kilbride, praising Scotland’s role in shaping UK foreign policy.
Mitchell added: “Scotland’s civil society and the FCDO’s East Kilbride team are at the heart of UK foreign policy as a force for good.”
“I’m proud the UK uses its global influence to drive agendas that unite people across every part of our country.”
Frances Guy, CEO of Scotland’s International Development Alliance, said: “We’re delighted to welcome the Minister to discuss his long-term vision for international development.”
