Overseas aid ringfenced

joe-90 · 8 Jun 2010

I don't get it. Overseas aid is to be ring-fenced at £5 billion per year. But considering that the UK is living with a massive borrowing deficit - we are actually borrowing £5 billion from someone to give to someone else. The UK taxpayer then has to find that money to pay it back to the lender yet the recipient of the money doesn't.

Mental, completely mental.

Deluks · 8 Jun 2010

I'm not against the concept, even if we do end up paying for it, as long as it goes in the right places. Vaccines and infrastructure for the world's poorest = good idea.
However sending money to India, with their space program n all, plus sending aid to Gaza, paying to rebuild towns that our 'mates' the Israelis have just flattened, is ridiculous.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/uk_politics/7835937.stm
The money would be better spent putting pressure on states such as the two big 'I's to sort their f***ing lives out and take responsibility for their actions, or lack of.

Infidel · 8 Jun 2010

It's a fairly disingenuous description, basically it allows British Companies to tout their wares overseas and take advantage of any markets those countries may have. Also risky free if the country doesn't come across with the dosh the UK government will reimburse the company.
So as ever you the taxpayer fund a Company to take risky investments,but that is the Global free economy for you.

Shifty22 · 9 Jun 2010

Sorry to have a dim view on this subject but the situation in the 3rd world countries doesn't appear to be improving no matter how much money you throw at it.

The people seem to think that breeding is a great idea in a land where aids and other diseases are rife, perhaps it will be better for all if they just get on with it and wipe themselves out?

Deluks · 9 Jun 2010

You are not taking into account that most of these people you refer to are uneducated, and in some cases superstitious about this n that.
High risk of disease and low birth survival rates probably encourarage them to have more offspring, to ensure that at least some of them make it.

joe-90 · 9 Jun 2010

So if you save one kid today that kid will breed a few more that you have to save tomorrow? It can't go on like that.

Deluks · 9 Jun 2010

joe-90 said:
So if you save one kid today that kid will breed a few more that you have to save tomorrow? It can't go on like that.

Could say the same about our own population surely.

"Let the children die"

...is Joe's take on it.

joe-90 · 9 Jun 2010

The planet's population is out of control. By the time the oil runs out we'll have 20 billion people we can't feed. Better that a few die today than billions tomorrow.

JMLanders · 9 Jun 2010

joe-90 said:
The Better that a few die today than billions tomorrow.

Sort of shoot the gunman to save the planeload of passengers argument.

JMLanders · 9 Jun 2010

In fact, Could we not get a pack of hounds and some horseback hunters involved?

Deluks · 9 Jun 2010

JMLanders said:
In fact, Could we not get a pack of hounds and some horseback hunters involved?

No, it's illegal.

Deluks · 9 Jun 2010

Oh dear.

Overseas aid ringfenced

Shifty22

JMLanders

JMLanders

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