UK follows SNP lead on aid commitment

SNP MEP Alyn Smith, has welcomed the UK Government’s commitment to an EU fund to help developing nations tackle climate change but said the SNP has been on the front foot.
 
SNP candidates during the last European election – which saw an impressive victory for the party – all signed a pledge to work towards the ambitious NIDOS development targets.
 
Commenting, Mr Smith said:
 
“As the world’s biggest provider of development aid, the EU supports poorer nations across the world and any effort to support this work is welcome. 
 
“The Scottish Government has already doubled Scotland's international aid budget and is building strong links with Malawi and other Sub-Saharan nations.
 
“Small and medium sized European countries are leading the world in international development and have an important role in assuming international responsibility for decreasing poverty.
 
"This is exactly why Scotland should have a place round the table at the Copenhagen."