International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Bill (Money)

Debate between Gavin Shuker and Edward Leigh

Monday 3rd November 2014 Commons Chamber

[Gavin Shuker]

I am sure that the hon. Gentleman will know, from his preparations for what I hope will be an entertaining speech, that the wording is fairly standard for a money resolution.

Our total spend is currently about 0.7% of GDP, and that will obviously be enforced by the Bill. Forgive me for saying that the general public may be misled—though certainly not by Members of this House—to believe that the amount we are spending is much greater. When asked, they said that on average 19% of our GDP is sent overseas, and when asked how much they thought should be sent overseas, they aimed for about 1.5%, so I am perfectly content with 0.7% to protect the poorest in the world’s community.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

Will the hon. Gentleman give way?

--- Later in debate ---

[Gavin Shuker]

I will, but I do so for the last time.

[Sir Edward Leigh]

To get back to the money resolution and the very important constitutional point made by my hon. Friend the Member for Wellingborough (Mr Bone), does the Labour party think it is right and proper for the Government to expedite a money resolution for one private Member’s Bill—this Bill—but not for the European Union (Referendum) Bill, which many of us view as equally important?

[Gavin Shuker]

The vagaries of coalition politics are new to us all, including Opposition Members.