Bond responds to UK government’s Integrated Review Refresh

Today, 13 March, the government has launched its updated Integrated Review of security, defence, development and foreign policy, and its vision for the UK’s role in the world over the next decade.

Stephanie Draper, CEO of Bond the UK network for over 400 organisations working in international development said:

“We welcome the UK’s commitment to play a role in reforming and greening the global financial architecture so it is fit for the 21st century, as well as the encouraging commitment to push for progress on the SDGs so we can address some of the root causes of geopolitical instability and poverty. For too long, lower-income countries have been burdened by unsustainable levels of debt, Illicit financial flows and low tax revenue which has left them unable to finance and advance their development.

“However, it is concerning to see the previous language on open societies and human rights significantly downgraded. It is also worrying that there is no mention of a return to 0.7% of GNI being spent on UK aid, despite the longstanding promises of a return. Development gains have been lost due to the UK aid cuts and as more and more of it is diverted away from communities impacted by extreme poverty, conflict and climate change to cover the Home Office’s refugee costs in the UK.”