Some years ago we agreed with other nations to give a set % of our GDP as foreign aid (0.7% I think). This year that will come to over £14.5 billion. The Government department responsible have problems finding suitable causes upon which to lavish this cornucopia of cash, but manages to dispose of it just the same to worthy causes like China and India with huge national incomes and their own space programmes. I might also add that few of those nations that agreed the 0.7% do actually meet that target.
Having watched the terrible events in Australia unfold in recent weeks and the losses sustained by ordinary Australians would it not be a good idea to spend some of the money rebuilding their homes? I would suggest a straight £4bn off the top of our budget would not be missed and would be most gratefully received by those stricken by these disastrous conflagrations who are mostly after all our distant kith and kin. Just imagine what that sum would do for their morale and our international relations.
Having voiced my opinion to several people, one young lady lawyer said that it would be illegal under our international agreements as the recipients of our aid must be poor, but since we are amongst the few countries that observe the rules on expenditure should we not decide who we spend it on and who is poorer than someone without a home and in constant life threatening danger?
Mike.X