A new poll released by anti-poverty campaign group ONE reveals that the majority of people in the South West believe the lion’s share of aid should go to those who have the least.

Two thirds (67%) of adults polled in the South West agreed that the majority of UK aid should be targeted at least developed countries. This is where it would have the biggest impact on ending extreme poverty.

The research, conducted by ComRes, also revealed that around four-fifths (79%) agreed that MPs must ensure that the UK keeps its promises to the world’s poorest.

The findings come just days after Parliament passed the International Development Act, which enshrined in law the long-standing target of investing 0.7% of national income in aid.

Alex Louch, a Youth Ambassador for ONE from Exeter, said: The UK leads the way in helping people in the developing world and it makes sense that our support is directed to the people who need it the most. MP hopefuls of all stripes from Exeter have been pledging their support for this – if elected they need to make it happen. Politicians are waking up to how much young people in the South West care about overseas development and we will hold them to account.”

The poll also revealed that:

• 86 per cent of adults living in the South West agree that focusing aid on helping girls and women will improve the lives of everyone in developing countries.
• Four out of five (83%) agree that poverty is sexist as women and girls suffer disproportionately from the effects of poverty in least developed countries.
• 83 per cent agree that UK aid should befocused on tackling preventable diseases , such as malaria, Ebola and HIV/AIDS.

Diane Sheard, UK Director of ONE, said: “These results clearly show that people in the South West continue to support aid and care about its impact.

“Candidates standing for election in the South West should take note that such a large majority of voters want them to keep the UK’s promises to the world’s poorest.  They also believe that UK aid should prioritise girls and women as they are disproportionately affected by extreme poverty. 

“That’s why ONE is asking all parliamentary candidates across the country to cut the politicking and ‘Just Say Yes’ to supporting international development. The role of the next Parliament is vital to maintaining the UK’s leadership in effective and transparent aid.”

Last month ONE launched its ‘Just Say Yes’ campaign, asking would-be MPs to commit to helping the fight against extreme poverty and preventable disease, particularly in Africa. The campaign pledge stresses that UK’s lifesaving aid should be focused on those who have the least, that girls and women should be at the centre of development, and that all parts of the next government should work together to build a better and safer world.

ENDS

For more information please contact Chris Mitchell on 020 7434 6935 or [email protected]

Notes to Editors

1. ComRes conducted a national poll and interviewed 2,004 British adults across the UK by telephone between the 20^th and 22^nd March 2015. Data were weighted to be representative of all British adults aged 18+. ComRes is a member of the British Polling Council and abides by its rules.
2. The number of people interviewed in the South West was 175.
3. ONE is calling for at least half of all aid to be invested in the least developed countries (LDCs) by 2020.