WIREDGOV

Countries of Scotland’s size lead league table on tackling poverty. 

Today [Wednesday] External Affairs and International Development Minister, Humza Yousaf, will use a speech to Parliament to set out how an independent Scotland can be a world leader in international development.

Figures from the Centre for Development’s Commitment to Development Index show that countries of Scotland’s size, such as Norway, Sweden and Ireland are among the nations making the strongest overall contribution to development. 

With independence, Scotland is committed to meeting the United Nation’s target of spending 0.7 per cent of Gross National Income on aid – and to enshrining that commitment in law. Mr Yousaf is also expected to highlight that the skills of Scotland’s existing international development staff – including those employed by the Department of International Development in East Kilbride and those working for Scotland’s international aid agencies, mean Scotland is very well placed to make a substantial impact in this area.

Mr Yousaf said:

“We know that countries of Scotland’s size can make a huge difference to the lives of people in the developing world. Independent countries such as Norway, Sweden, Finland and Ireland all rank higher than the UK in the Centre for Development’s tables.

“An independent Scotland can have a dramatic impact in reducing poverty and improving lives in the developing world.

“The Scottish Government has an ambitious vision of the role Scotland could play as a global citizen. We have a unique contribution to offer the world and are already making a real difference through our people’s expertise on climate change and energy, education, health improvement and research along with our innovative approach to international development.

“But with the powers of independence we could do so much more, ensuring that never again do we fail to meet our promises to the world’s poorest.

“For 42 of the last 43 years the UK Government has failed to meet the United Nations target to spend 0.7 per cent of GNI on aid – resulting in £87.5 billion of missing aid over the period since 1970 – aid that would definitely have saved and changed lives.

“Scotland is blessed with an impressive international development skills base, with a wide range of international aid agencies, as well as the staff employed by DFID in East Kilbride. Those skills and experience also mean we are well placed to make a significant difference.

“With independence we can secure the jobs of the DFID staff at East Kilbride. As Scotland’s Future makes clear we will ensure continuity of employment for all staff in Scotland. Those who join the Scottish civil service will then benefit from our continued commitment to no compulsory redundancies – something the UK Government have failed to match – as is unfortunately being illustrated by the redundancies taking place in HMRC in Glasgow.”

Notes To Editors

The CDI currently ranks overall contributions to development. This takes into account the impact of trade, finance, migration, environment, security and technology as well as aid.