Logo

 

Banner Image:   National-News-banner-Purple
Template Mode:   Baptist Times
Icon
    Post     Tweet

Christian Aid Praises Andrew Mitchell 


Christian Aid has praised Andrew Mitchell, the former head of the Department for International Development (DfID) - but believes the department needs to do more end dependency on aid

 
Mr Mitchell was involved in the Government's reshuffle this week, moving from outgoing international development secretary at DfID to chief whip of the House of Commons, and parliamentary secretary to the Treasury.

Christian Aid Director Loretta Minghella praised his 'determination and courage' for keeping the Government's commitment to spending 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income on overseas aid.

She said, ' Andrew Mitchell has made a huge impact during his time at DFID. In incredibly difficult economic circumstances and despite strong pressure from some within his own party to balance the UK's books on the backs of the poorest, he has defended the aid budget with passion.

'But we have been and remain impatient to see the Government go further, especially in helping to end aid dependency.
'Aid alone will never end poverty, so we'd like to see DFID implement a credible exit strategy from aid.

'That would help poor countries generate their own resources, not least through more successful tax collection, including action against tax-dodging multinationals. This is what we will be pushing DFID on, in the months and years to come.'

Mr Mitchell is to be replaced by Justine Greening, the former transport secretary.

But the reaction to his 27 month tenure wasn't altogether positive.  Deborah Doane, director of anti-poverty group the World Development Movement, said UK aid policy took an 'alarming turn towards promoting the interests of business over the needs of the world's poorest people' on Mr Mitchell's watch.

'His admission last year that Britain's foreign aid programme to India was partly designed to sell Typhoon fighter jets clearly showed this shift,' explained Ms Doane.

'Justine Greening's previous support for tough climate change laws suggest a stronger commitment to justice than her predecessor.

'Her challenge will be to reverse the direction taken by Andrew Mitchell, and to ensure that aid is truly a contribution to global equity, not a business opportunity.'
 

    Post     Tweet
'A thank-you—from those taught, challenged, and inspired by her ministry'
The Revd Dr Karen E. Smith was surprised with the presentation of a new volume published in her honour at this year’s Baptist Historical Society Summer Conference
Calling previous members of the Joppa Group
Were you a member of the Joppa Group? Do you have historic papers about it? An invitation-based roundtable event is being co-convened to mark the 40th anniversary of the group's founding. Paul Weller explains more
Ripples of Change - a service of celebration and thankfulness
A service has been organised to mark the role Jane Day served in our Baptist family as Centenary Enabler, combining thankfulness for the progress made, as well as a time of lament for many of the findings of Project Violet. Lisa Kerry explains more
I Will...Leave a lasting legacy
The Baptist Union of Great Britain with BMS World Mission have now launched a new church resource to help those considering an ongoing blessing to support God’s mission both in the UK and overseas
Church planting: a national perspective on God at work
A report from the latest meeting of the The National Church Planting Network, which aims to spot emerging trends - and seek God’s direction together for the future of church planting in the UK
Graduation for Baptist local leaders course
The first cohort of students on a two year course designed to help Baptist church members deepen their understanding of faith and develop skills in ministry and mission has graduated
     Latest News 
    Posted: 04/06/2025
    Posted: 21/05/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
    Posted: 07/01/2025
     
    Text Size:  
    Small (Default)
    Medium
    Large
    Contrast:  
    Normal
    High Contrast