The decision to cut foreign aid by billions of pounds has been met by outrage and disgust from many politicians.
St Albans’ Liberal Democrat politician Daisy Cooper has voiced her concerns over the government’s recent move which has received warnings from aid agencies.
Daisy Cooper, member of parliament for St Albans, said: “By cutting foreign aid, the government is turning its back on an international commitment and trashing Britain’s role as a global leader.
“For too many vulnerable people in need around the world, UK foreign aid has made the difference between life and death.
“Having worked in international affairs, I’ve seen this first-hand for myself.”
The £4bn reduction in aid, from 0.7 per cent to 0.5 per cent of gross national income, caused outrage from a number of Johnson’s own MPs.
Among those criticising the decision are also three former Tory prime ministers, David Cameron, Theresa May and John Major.
Downing Street has said the reduction is temporary and will reverse it but only when certain conditions are met.
Ms Cooper continued: “The cuts will have a dire impact not only on food poverty, but also on women’s education and therefore the climate emergency. This impact will be felt for decades to come.
“I’m sick of this Conservative government pitching the world’s poorest against the UK’s poorest, when it splashes the public’s cash on pointless yachts, flashy media rooms and contracts for Ministers' mates.
“As the fifth richest country in the world, we could do so much better.”
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