'Real concern' over Tory aid strategy, says Oxfam

Fundraising | Stefan Marseglia | 15 Jan 2010

A national security speech made by Conservative leader David Cameron has prompted concerns from charities that a Tory government would have a political approach to development funding.

In his speech, held earlier today at Chatham House, Cameron criticised the current government for “giving more money to the world’s fastest growing economy than to warn-torn poverty-stricken, drought-hit Yemen”, a country he also highlighted as of national security concern.

Oxfam has responded today, claiming the speech undermined Cameron’s ‘headline’ commitment to continuing Britain’s international aid programme.

Kirsty Hughes, Oxfam head of policy, said: “Removing aid from the poorest people and using it for military goals rather than tackling poverty would be a big step backwards and would undermine the UK’s leadership role on international development.”

Yet, all of Cameron’s speech was not condemned, with Oxfam backing Cameron’s pledge for the UK to “plan for pandemics, energy crises and water stoppages”.

Hughes continued: “David Cameron’s headline pledge to meet the UK’s aid promises remains welcome, but the small print revealed today is of real concern.”

The Conservative leader’s speech came after Brown was under more pressure to reveal his role in the War in Iraq before the next General Election.

Directory: Oxfam

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