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BORIS Johnson has claimed his government’s criticism of its decision to cut foreign aid was based on “leftist propaganda” – despite being led by backbench Tory MPs.
The Prime Minister dismissed accusations of ignoring “moral and legal responsibilities” as he faced Ian Blackford in the Commons.
SNP leader Wesminster denounced the Conservative government’s decision to cut £ 4 billion in overseas aid.
House of Commons Speaker Sir Lindsay Hoyle said MPs should have an ‘effective’ word on the decision to suspend the pledge to spend 0.7% of national income on aid, which is listed in law.
However, Downing Street refused to accept the idea.
Blackford, speaking on Prime Minister’s Questions, opened by noting that it was’ heroes’ hour ‘as he wished the Scottish men’s national football team the best of luck for Euro 2020, before moving on. focus on reducing government foreign aid.
MPs Ross, Skye and Lochaber told the Commons: “Later this week the Prime Minister will appear at the G7 summit as the only leader to cut development aid to the world’s poorest.
“At a time when global leadership is needed more than ever, this Conservative government is moving away from millions of people still struggling with the Covid pandemic and a pandemic of poverty.
“The Prime Minister has been hiding on this issue for months. It is a government that shies away from its own moral and legal responsibilities, and that shuns its own backbenchers. But the Prime Minister can no longer hide from this question. and he cannot run away from democracy in this House.
“Will he rise today and commit to a direct vote in this House on his inhumane cuts, as the President demands?” Prime Minister, it’s a very simple question: yes or no?
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Boris Johnson claimed that “leftist propaganda” distorted his government’s stance on foreign aid, despite rebellion led by Tory MPs, including former Prime Minister Theresa May.
He said, “The people of this country have had a vote on this and many other issues very recently and I think they have come out very strongly in favor of the balance that the government is seeking.
“We are living in very difficult financial times. But you shouldn’t believe the leftist propaganda you hear from people across the way. We’re spending £ 10 billion overseas… all they want is to destroy this country.
He added that the UK should be “proud” of its contribution to foreign aid.
Blackford joked: “I don’t think I ever heard the former PM [May] called a leftist propagandist.
The SNP MP continued: “The simple fact is that every party, every member of this House has stuck to a clear commitment of 0.7%. The Prime Minister returned to this issue and the President indicated that the government should allow a vote on this matter. These are pretty basic things.
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