The UK met the United Nations target of spending 0.7% of national income on international aid for the first time ever last year, according to new official statistics.

Provisional results from the Office for National Statistics show that Official Development Assistance was 0.72% of GNI in 2013.

Diane Sheard, UK Director of The ONE Campaign said:

“The British people can be proud that we have kept our promise to the poorest people in the world. Even though things are tough at home, the UK has fulfilled a 44 year old pledge to commit 0.7% of our Gross National Income to lifesaving aid.

“Efficient and transparent aid, targeted at the most vulnerable communities, can be truly transformative. We have seen extreme poverty cut in half – with the right action, it can be virtually eliminated by 2030.”

ENDS

For more information please contact Asha Tharoor on [email protected] or on 020 7434 7554.