Ben Everitt, the MP for Milton Keynes North, has secured a compromise with the Government on returning to spending 0.7% of GDP on foreign aid.
Last month, Ben Everitt was set to back an amendment to a Bill to ensure the 0.7% overseas aid commitment was maintained, but the local MP has had numerous discussions with the Chancellor, Rishi Sunak, over the last few weeks where an agreement was reached.
The Milton Keynes MP has worked closely with World Vision UK since being elected and believes the UK has a duty to support programmes in the developing world.
The compromise will ensure the reduction is only temporary and aid will return to 0.7% when public finances are fixed, based on the forecasts of the independent Office for Budget Responsibility.
Describing why he believes why this move was necessary, Ben Everitt said: “I’ve seen first hand how organisations like World Vision support vulnerable children, whether through natural disasters or against exploitation and abuse, and it truly is a shining example of this leadership in action.
“I was genuinely concerned about dropping the 0.7% target as I worried it wouldn’t be temporary, but having spoken with the Chancellor, and working with colleagues, I’m now confident and assured the Government shares my commitment to return to 0.7% as soon as the circumstances allow.”
