Aid Works: Five reasons to give aid and four answers to common questions

The context for development aid is changing, internationally and in the UK. The global economic crisis has meant that spending on aid has come under increased scrutiny, as public spending is cut in many countries. In the UK, domestic economic challenges are leading some people to argue against the government’s decision to stick to its pledge to give 0.7% of national income in aid by 2013, and to challenge the introduction of a new bill that would put the Government’s commitment into law.

Save the Children believes that honouring our promises on aid is both the right thing to do, and the smart thing to do. Aid saves lives and gives people opportunities; it is in our interests as it helps to promote peace and security; but helping to stimulate growth and trade worldwide, it is also helping to create UK jobs. UK Aid is also something to be proud of; it is a long-held British tradition, which has helped to make us a global leader. Passing the new legislation will protect aid from political jockeying, and allow us to focus instead on spending the aid budget in the best way possible.