Responding to the resignation of the International Development Minister, Anneliese Dodds, Nigel Harris, Chief Executive at Tearfund, said:
'I strongly support Anneliese Dodds' principled resignation as International Development Minister following the largest UK aid cut in history. She has recognised the disastrous impact the UK aid cuts will have, and the strategic flaw in withdrawing from its commitments around the world at this time of global instability.
Dodds' decision shows courage, standing in solidarity with the communities who will be most affected. The British people have a proud history of compassion and generosity through international aid, which Dodds has admirably chosen to uphold - I pray that her successor will continue this legacy. UK leadership in development is more important now than ever.
It is time that the Prime Minister reverses his decision to cut UK aid to 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI) and honours the manifesto commitments he made during the election. The increase in defence spending must be funded by other means and development recognised as equally vital for international stability.
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Notes to editors:
Tearfund is a Christian charity that partners with churches in more than 50 of the world's poorest countries. We tackle poverty through sustainable development, responding to disasters and challenging injustice. We believe an end to extreme poverty is possible. Tearfund is also a member of the Disasters Emergency Committee. For more information about the work of Tearfund, please visit www.tearfund.org.
