A baby with her mum who is waiting to receive a maternal and newborn tetanus vaccination at a health centre in Kenya © UNICEF UK 2015
A baby with her mum who is waiting to receive a maternal and newborn tetanus vaccination at a health centre in Kenya © UNICEF UK 2015

Comment on the UK Government announcement to legislate on cuts to foreign aid

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Commenting on the UK Government announcement today to legislate on cuts to foreign aid

UNICEF UK’s Director of Advocacy, Joanna Rea, said:

“It’s deeply disappointing to learn today that the Government is seeking to introduce legislation which will cut the foreign aid budget with no clear plan on when the 0.7% promise will resume.

“Now is not the time to break our promise to the world’s poorest and most vulnerable. Millions of children globally rely on UK Aid to survive and have never needed it more as the world continues to fight a global pandemic.  

“Unicef UK calls on the Government to urgently confirm this cut is for one year only and set out a time line for the return to the 0.7% in the forthcoming legislation. This will be a welcome signal of their plans to keep their promise to the world’s poorest children. By committing to returning to 0.7% quickly, or at the very least publishing the clear economic thresholds for a return to it, the Government can revive the hopes of those whose lives depend on their support as they face the biggest global crisis since the Second World War.”

 

 

ENDS

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