Responding to the Autumn Statement and the news that the British Government will meet its target of investing 0.7 per cent of national income in aid for the second year in a row, Diane Sheard, UK Director of The ONE Campaign, said:

“We welcome today’s announcement that the UK will meet its own target of investing 0.7% of national income in overseas aid for the second year in a row. As the British economy improves, continuing this commitment to the world’s poorest people is the right thing to do. Higher than expected growth this year means that UK aid will be able to save even more lives than previously forecast.

“In just two days’ time, Parliament will vote on whether to make it a legal duty to invest 0.7% in overseas aid: a promise made by all three major parties in their 2010 manifestos. The Ebola crisis in West Africa shows how vital it is to safeguard this promise, with life-saving aid needed to create more resilient health systems and to build stronger economies.

“I urge MPs to seize this opportunity, support the Bill and seal the deal on UK aid once and for all. We should be proud that we’re supporting millions of people lift themselves out of poverty.”