Liberal Democrat MP Michael Moore today announced his intention to use his Private Member’s Bill to make it a legal requirement for the UK Government to invest 0.7% of Gross National Income in international development assistance.

Diane Sheard, UK Director of The ONE Campaign, said: “Cementing the UK’s commitment to invest 0.7% of our national income in life-saving aid is the right thing to do.  This year, the UK reached the  long-standing goal for the first time, becoming the first G8 country ever to do so. Now the Government must take the next step and enshrine this commitment in law. All three major political parties supported this legislation in their 2010 manifestos and this Bill is an opportunity to realise that pledge.

“Ending extreme poverty is not just about the volume of aid. The way aid is spent should be paramount so that it has maximum effectiveness. UK aid is already among the most transparent in the world. Mr Moore’s Bill must ensure that future governments continue to enhance their commitment to open data.”

ENDS

The International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Bill will be introduced on Friday 12 September.

For more information please contact Chris Mitchell on T: 020 7434 6935, M: 07901 006 799 or email: [email protected]

About ONE

ONE is a campaigning and advocacy organization of nearly 6 million people taking action to end extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. Not politically partisan, we raise public awareness and press political leaders to combat AIDS and preventable diseases, increase investments in agriculture and nutrition, and demand greater transparency in poverty-fighting programmes. ONE is not a grant-making organisation and does not solicit funding from the public or receive government funding. ONE is funded almost entirely by foundations, individual philanthropists and corporations. We achieve change through advocacy. Our teams in London, Washington, New York, Johannesburg, Brussels, Berlin and Paris educate and lobby governments to shape policy solutions that save and improve millions of lives. To learn more, go to ONE.org.