The International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Bill, guarantees the UK’s commitment to spend 0.7% of its Gross National Income on overseas aid.
On 9 March the Bill was passed by the House of Lords, enshrining it in law, and guaranteeing the committment, a promise included in all three party manifestos back in 2010.
First pledged 45 years ago in a 1970 UN General Assembly Resolution, the 0.7% target has been affirmed in many international agreements over the years.
“By enshrining this in law we are ensuring that British aid will continue until it is no longer needed,” said Ben Jackson, CEO of Bond, the network of UK international NGOs. “It also sends a strong signal to developing countries that we will continue to keep our aid promise to them, and to other rich countries that they too must meet their aid targets.”
For more information see the Bond website or the Turn Up Save Lives campaign.