Jim Murphy MP, Labour’s Shadow International Development Secretary, responding to reports that Ministers are expected to back a Private Members Bill to enshrine in law the UK’s commitment to spend 0.7% Gross National Income on Official Development Assistance, said:

“With this Bill, a vote in Parliament can save lives across the world. British aid makes a huge difference to millions - we should be proud of what our generosity can do for those in need and what it says about us as a country.

“Labour has always led the way in development. The last Labour government helped drop the debt, secure global agreement on the Millennium Development Goals and set the UK on course to meet its historic commitment to spend 0.7% of Gross National Income on Official Development Assistance – and it was our pledge to enshrine that commitment in law that forced the other two parties to follow our lead.

“Labour has been demanding that Ministers keep their promise to legislate on 0.7% for years. It is a shame that this government have resisted their commitments for so long, but if reports that this government will finally fulfil its promise are true, then that is a welcome if belated step and the Bill will of course have our support.”