Anti-poverty group ONE today (THURS) welcomed the appointment of Priti Patel to the important role of Secretary of State for International Development, replacing Justine Greening.

ONE’s UK Director (interim) Saira O’Mallie, said: “We are excited by Priti Patel’s appointment. As someone who voted to enshrine into law 0.7% of national income to be invested in UK aid, we believe she is a dynamic, outward-looking secretary keen to carry on leading the world by example and extending further the UK’s tradition of successful overseas development.

“With her vast business experience, she knows that only by eradicating extreme poverty – and especially investing in girls and women – can the UK help developing nations achieve their own ambitions, and help them become Britain’s secure, prosperous and stable trading markets and diplomatic trading partners for generations to come.

“We look forward very much to working with Priti on her important new brief, and we wish her every success in helping to end extreme poverty and ensuring the UK keeps leading and inspiring over governments to do likewise.

“In what will be a very busy first few weeks, we hope Priti can cement a part of her legacy early on in her new role by pledging the UK’s £1.2billion commitment to the Global Fund by the September 16^th deadline.

“Millions of lives depend on the Global Fund’s leadership and expertise in defeating AIDS and other deadly diseases, from which girls and women remain the prime victims.”