Thank you for contacting me about what a global Britain means for international development.
As we exit the EU, Britain will be more, not less, outward-looking and engaged on the world stage. Intensifying our efforts as a global leader in international development is a crucial part of this. I believe that the UK should work to tackle international problems at their source - not wait for them to arrive on our doorstep. The Government remains committed to spending 0.7 per cent of national income on development assistance, and to achieving the UN's Global Goals and ending extreme poverty by 2030.
The International Development Secretary Priti Patel has spoken about the importance of economic progress, which has lagged behind the agenda of human development. We need to ensure that we enable the poorest countries in the world to industrialise faster and create sustainable jobs. However, I agree with you, and the Secretary of State made this point too: this has to happen alongside a continued focus on human development - on health, education and sanitation.
Global cooperation is more necessary that ever for tackling the challenges we face today. As a global leader in international development we need to encourage others to step up too. The new focus on reforming the international development system is important, so that it is more effective in dealing with the realities of fragile states, cross-border conflict, global migration and climate change in the 21st century. The UK is pushing for greater cost effectiveness, efficiency and transparency, but also a multilateral system that is open and effective - because that is how we can deliver most effectively for the world's poorest.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.
