Aid budget to rise to £10.6 billion in 2014-15.

[anotheoldgit]

http://www.telegraph....gn-aid-donations.html

/// Microsoft founder Mr Gates urged Britons to be proud of the positive impact the donations were having on the world’s poorest people. ///

That's easily said by a billionaire, but I wonder if all those who are experiencing difficulties due to the cut-backs, will be sticking their chests out with pride and patting themselves on the back?

The reader's comment from 'chaddie' sums it up pretty well.

[Philtaz]

But to me trade is a symbiotic relationship and trade links with other countries have doubtless already been established, so how does that justify the amount we are donating to countries who have very little to offer in the way of trade?

We've tried too often and do so year on year to help out in that bottomless pit a.k.a. Africa but it seems an endless and thankless task. If it's not civil war it's corruption, officials creaming off aid for themselves etc.

Furthermore a large majority are unwilling to practice birth control, often in famine ravaged areas. IMHO the goodwill of the citizens of this country is being taken advantage of and current global matters suggest we need to be keeping a tighter reign on spending abroad.