International Development is one of two key areas where the Conservatives predict additional spending after a General Election victory. We plan to increase international aid, and work towards achieving the UN’s target. However, our approach will be far more rigorous.

The Conservatives will run a much more professional operation, scrapping the current system of self-evaluation, setting up an independent Aid Watchdog and publishing extensive details about all British aid spending on the DfID website. We will also:

• Review priorities to ensure aid is spent where it will do most good, linking it to independently-audited evidence of real progress on the ground
• Tackle the deeply worrying situation in Darfur; pushing for the rapid deployment of a better equipped and better mandated international force to protect people, through a comprehensive and inclusive political settlement
• Help tackle Malaria, moving towards its eradication by spending £500 million a year until the Millennium Development Goal has been met
• Press for a radical improvement in the quality and delivery of EU aid
• Work for the elimination of trade barriers and subsidies and the simplification of ‘rules of origin’
Encourage and help in the creation of a Pan-African Free Trade Area

As individuals and collectively we are known as a ‘giving’ nation. Our generosity and sense of responsibility must be harnessed and used effectively. Many are experiencing such difficult times in Britain at present and it would be easy to ignore the plight of others.  But I’m proud that the Conservative Party hasn’t been deflected from its belief in the importance of overseas aid, and that it will make our country’s international development efforts more effective and meaningful.