SNP International Development Spokesperson, Pete Wishart MP, has called on the UK Government to finally meet its international aid commitments – after 40 years of

failing to do so.

In 1970, the UK committed to UN Resolution 2626 to donate 0.7% of its GDP to support poorer countries. In 2008, the UK’s contribution was just 0.48%.

2010 marks the 40th anniversary of the pledge – and five years since the G8 promised to boost aid at Gleneagles.

Commenting, Mr Wishart said:

“In this, the season of goodwill, it’s time for a New Year’s Resolution from the UK Government.

“Times are tough in the UK but that’s no excuse - for forty years, we have let the poorest and most vulnerable in the world down by failing to meet international aid

commitments. This shameful record has to end in 2010.

“Since coming to power in 2007, the SNP Government has doubled Scotland's international aid budget and is building strong links with Malawi and other Sub-Saharan nations.

“I visited Malawi earlier this year and I saw at first hand the very real difference that this vital support provides. From help delivering children’s meals to helping with infrastructure to support for agricultural programs Scotland’s relationship with Malawi is welcome and making a difference.

“Small, independent nations such as Denmark, Sweden, the Netherlands and Norway all meet their international aid commitments. If Scotland had the same fiscal rights and

responsibilities as a normal country, we would be able to prioritise vital projects such as this.

“Westminster is holding Scotland back.”

Notes:

1. UN General Assembly Resolution 2626 (XXV), October 24, 1970, para. 43

“In recognition of the special importance of the role which can be fulfilled only by official development assistance, a major part of financial resource transfers to the developing countries should be provided in the form of official development assistance. Each economically advanced country will progressively increase its official development assistance to the developing countries and will exert its best efforts to reach a minimum net amount of 0.7 per cent of its gross national product at market prices by the middle of the Decade.”

 *   International Development Strategy for the Second United Nations Development Decade<http://www.un.org/documents/ga/res/25/ares25.htm>,