ETI joins call for rethink by PM on aid cuts

ETI has joined a number of leading business organisations calling on Boris Johnson not to renege on overseas aid commitments

Peter McAllister, ETI's Executive Director, has joined leaders from Business in the Community, Business Fights Poverty, the CBI, International Chambers of Commerce, The Partnering Initiative and UN Global Compact Network UK to urge the Prime Minister not to row back on the 0.7% aid commitment, echoing earlier calls for a rethink from former Prime Ministers David Cameron and Tony Blair. 

They write: "We recognise that combating the coronavirus crisis has had immense economic consequences for the UK, but now is not the time to renege on our international responsibilities and diminish our global standing. Rowing back on the 0.7 per cent aid commitment — rightly, the source of much pride at home and abroad — will reduce the UK’s credibility at a time when we are preparing to lead the G7 and host next year’s COP26 climate summit, and will hamper gains made on social and economic development, which are prerequisites for businesses to trade.

"UKAid is responsible for contributing to some of the most impactful projects across British businesses and across the economies in which they invest and source from. Helping build more equitable and resilient societies also strengthens global supply chains. Investment overseas is investment in the UK’s prosperity.

"As people are battling with significant financial, economic and social repercussions of the pandemic, they are looking to government and business to act responsibly, step up and rebuild better. Now is not the time to withdraw."