Tuesday 29 September 2009

David Mepham, Save the Children’s Director of Policy, said: "This is a major step forward for the world's poorest people. In an economic recession, when there are so many competing priorities, it might have been easy for the government to raid the aid budget to shore up the public finances.

"Instead, the Prime Minister has shown progressive leadership by legislating to help the world's most vulnerable people, at a time when they are facing the effects of climate change, food price rises, and global recession.

"Today's move deserves the support of all parties, and it must now be a priority for the next parliament.

"This pledge means that the world's poorest communities have a better chance of securing education, healthcare and food - not just this year but over the years to come."