VSO: Volunteering for Development Programme Debate
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Lord Bruce of Bennachie
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VSO: Volunteering for Development Programme
Lord Bruce of Bennachie Excerpts(3 years, 8 months ago)
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Lord Goldsmith of Richmond Park (Con) [V]
My Lords, it is in all our interests that this decision is taken quickly, and I will convey the noble Lord’s message to the FCDO. If I may make a broader point, despite the changes that have been brought in temporarily—it is our intention to return to 0.7% as soon as the fiscal situation allows—we remain a world-leading donor. We will spend over £10 billion in ODA this year; I believe that makes us the second biggest donor of the G7.
Lord Bruce of Bennachie (LD) [V]
My Lords, the decision to leave VSO hanging on a cliff is beyond belief; this is no way to make decisions. Slashing humanitarian aid, development assistance and now VSO sends a signal of disappointment and delusion. Are the Government trading the reality of soft power for some of the delusions of hard power? Will the Government now immediately—today—commit the funding needed for VSO?