Cameron Names The Massive Increase In Britain’S Foreign Aid Budget As His ‘Proudest Achievement’ In Government.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2596469/11bn-foreign-aid-budget-proudest-achievement-says-PM-given-poorer-nations-rockets-30.html

Is this something to be proud of when some of his own people are forced to depend on food banks?

[emmie]

wonder how much went to the poor, and how much went into greedy politicians, despots pockets.

[emmie]

almost as good as shelling out shed loads to the EU

http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/money/news/article-2052433/Chart-How-does-Britain-pay-EU-does-back.html

[Svejk]

thats worth another 2 seats for ukip.

[emmie]

svek doubt it, people will vote for the main parties, same old same old

[mikey4444]

Well, he doesn't have a terribly long list of achievements in order to pick a best one from aog, but I think you are right. The rise in food banks have been phenomenal these last few years. The one I help out with is inundated with requests for help, and its only the generosity of peoples donations that keep us going. I must add that Tesco is also very helpful and generous when it comes to donation days at their stores. Its not often that you see Tesco being spoken of positively in the media but they continue to help the Trussell Trust with great enthusiasm.

[anotheoldgit]

Even the foreign aid out of our taxes doesn't seems enough, seeing that we constantly also have overseas aid adverts on the TV asking us to give £3 or £5 per month.

[youngmafbog]

Not sure teh examples of food banks is the best. It has been exposed that people are abusing they system so making it difficult to see any potential problem. In addition it showed many people used the food banks as a stop gap waiting for money to come through froma benefit claim (genuine claims) so the problem there is more of civil servants failing to do their job than money.

However, I cannot comprehend what is going through Camerons head. The man is a c*ck no two ways about it - and that's from me !

[emmie]

perhaps he wants to be seen on the world stage as having done some good, by giving aid.

[BlueToffee]

I'm sure a lot of foreign aid falls into the wrong hands, but if only a small proportion gets to help feed the starving millions around the world, then it's worth every penny.

I agree, there are people living on the bread line in the country, but when you look at 5 and 6 year old children in Africa the size of 2 year olds, don't they deserve a chance too?

Our foreign aid contributions represent a tiny amount in the grand scheme of things, long may they continue.

[youngmafbog]

He needs to appeal to Middle England not the World stage. Unless of course he does not expect to win another election.

I am pretty sure Middle England does not appreciate its money being given away to the EU or any country when times are hard!

Couple of seats to UKIP? No, more like a barrow load to Ed.

[Old_Geezer]

It is a morally good thing to help those who are in need, so I'm sure these are good intentions, but I'm unsure we were particularly lacking in international charity giving.

[emmie]

its not just our contributions though is it, other wealthy nations also contribute, so you do wonder how much is hindering the development of these countries, after all if you hand out money continually to people, without input from them, don't they get used to it, and in turn not help themselves as well. Can't remember which person said that monetary aid was holding his country back, possibly Imran Khan?

[youngmafbog]

Blue, if you think it is a good idea then you can use YOUR money directly. There should be a choice and the Government paying it out removes that choice

[BlueToffee]

Youngmafbog, you can watch children dying from drinking contaminated water, and foraging for grains of rice the feed their empty bellies? I'm afraid I can't.

[naomi24]

BlueToffee, it would be wonderful if all this aid cured the problem - but it doesn't. No matter how much money we throw at poor countries, you're still going to watch children dying from drinking contaminated water, and foraging for grains of rice the feed their empty bellies.

[BlueToffee]

naomi24, I realise that, but I work on the belief that if we give nothing then nobody benefits, giving a little helps some.

I am also not naive enough to believe that everything we give goes to help those in need, it helps to fill the bellies of the despots and buys more weapons for their 'causes',

[BlueToffee]

Anyway, I don't suppose my beliefs will sway those against foreign aid to change their minds, so I'll leave it at that.

That's what I like about AB, we can all have our say on any topic regardless of whether or not everybody agrees or disagrees with your point of view.

Have a good day all.

[Farriercm]

If Cameron sends tax payers money abroad , It will save them the trouble of coming to the UK to claim it in Benefits, Good thinking Dave.

[naomi24]

BlueToffee, I understand what you’re saying, but I would be far happier if the money were targeted towards specific projects rather than just handed out for corrupt governments to administer. We’d be wiser to give it to respected international aid charities who are actually doing something to help people.

[ludwig]

It's nice to know we're helping with India's space program.