Foreign aid in the middle of a recession

[sp1814]

There have been several recent questions raised on AB, questioning the government's decision ringfence foreign aid, especially during these times of financial hardship.

However, could it not be argued that the government are (for once) reflecting the mood of the nation:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/...ainment-arts-12778593

Comic Relief raised more this year, than it did two years ago..!

[classylady60]

People choose to give to this, when the government give aid on our behalf, we don't have a choice.

[anotheoldgit]

We are told that it also spent on deserving cases at home.

We are one of the heaviest taxed nations of the World, but if it was left to Cameron he would like us to dig even further into our pockets, it saves the Government from lashing out.

His latest gimmick (Big Society) is for government ministers to give one day a year to volunteer at a charity or voluntary group of their choice.

No big deal when you are a millionaire, but the ordinery guy in the street can make his donations via the Bank cash-points.

http://tinyurl.com/3ojn7gq

[anotheoldgit]

Why has this question been highlighted, when it is one of many posted previously?.

[I.Don No]

if we did not pay foreign aid to other countries how on earth would their leaders be able to afford their grandiose lifestyles...........

[rov1100]

I see the coalition are already planning for Gaddafi's departure by putting in aid for reconstruction and humanitarian effort via Benghazi. Doesn't it seem it bit premature when Gaddafi is still in charrge of Tripoli if not Libya. A resurgent Gaddafi may even re-take Benghazi when the dust has settled a bit.

[Ellipsis]

When times are tough, sometimes you take stock and realise just how lucky you (still) are ...

[sp1814]

Ellipsis

I think you have hit the nail on the head.

Top marks!