Member News
By Ned Simons - 17th May 2011
David Cameron has said he is committed to spending 0.7 per cent of GDP on international aid, despite apparent objections from Liam Fox.
The prime minister told the liaison committee this afternoon that it was "government policy" to introduce a bill in April to enshrine the target in law.
"The government is committed to the 0.7 per cent and we are going to achieve that in the time frame we set out," he said.
"It’s the government's policy, it will happen."
A letter from the defence secretary to the prime minister obtained by the Times showed Fox was unhappy with plans to make the target legally binding as he feared it would leave the government open to legal challenge.
"I have considered the issue carefully, and discussed it with Andrew [Mitchell] and William Hague, but I cannot support the proposal in its current form," Fox wrote.
The defence secretary instead reportedly favoured a weaker set up by which the target would be "recognised" in legislation.
But Cameron said that his defence secretary was in favour of the target and the legislation.
"To be fair to Liam Fox his letter he is saying he is favour of the legislative target," he insisited.
Earlier today Downing Street said: "clearly we condemn leaks in all forms".
It is not the first time correspondences between the two men have been leaked.
Last year a letter Fox sent to the prime minister expressing concerns over cuts to the defence budget found its way into the press.
Cameron was also asked about the exit strategy for the Libyan operation.
He said the successful implementation of UN resolution 1973, where no civilians are being attacked, and the Libyan people are able to choose their own future, would mark the completion of the mission.
Have your say...
Please enter your comments below.