Foreign aid - Does it actually help?

[Vicky.]

So we seem to be increasing our foreign aid budget again (all while chopping away at the NHS and such as we are skint..)

Does anyone think sending huge amounts of cash to these countries helps? I dont. We give millions and millions to India, and they piss it away on a space program..seriously? The money goes to the corrupt governments of the countries and doesnt help the little people in the slightest.

I dont think we should stop helping just because we are in debt though, far from it. But a change is needed IMO. We have thousands of jobless..even those in 'good' professions. Could we not send some skilled workers to these third world countries and actually help hands on(building wells, schools, teaching, etc) rather than throwing more and more cash at the problem? It would help the people who actually need help, while at the same time helping our own countries employment situation..surely everyone wins that way?

[lostalex]

I think the UN needs to do more. How much do we(the western world) give the UN? and how much of that money is going to UN bureaucracy when it should be going towards aid projects?

I wish the UN could get it's act together, and we really could organize a global aid project to help the people that most need it everywhere in the world.

[arista]

It helps in a few places.


But stop it going to Nations at War
that is wasted



The India money is meant to stop soon
as their own Very Rich need Taxing more
problem solved

[Kizzy]

I thought it went on GDP? As we lost the AAA status didn't dave ask if we can contribute less?

[lostalex]

The India money is meant to stop soon
as their own Very Rich need Taxing more
problem solved

I saw on the BBC the other day that only 3% of the population of India pay taxes. I couldn't believe it.

[joeysteele]

No, I don't think it does long term, most gets wasted, if it in fact even gets to where it is really needed in the first place.
I think in an immediate crisis then maybe that aid benefits short term but this general handing over of aid in funds is not the real solution as it then becomes routine.
Also my guess is, it gets channelled off into other things rather than what it is really supposed to be for.

[arista]

I saw on the BBC the other day that only 3% of the population of India pay taxes. I couldn't believe it.


Yes its been Corrupt like that for years


Feck me they are sending Rockets in space

They can stand on the own Fecking Feet Now

[Nedusa]

Giving foreign aid to poorer countries can enhance trade prospects with that country. It can also buy political favour with that country. It also shows the UK in a good light in the eyes of the UN and other major powers.

Also since it is a very small % of GDP it is considered money well spent.

[Ninastar]

some charities help like water aid, but the majority of it, no.

i could donate every single penny I own, i could sell my car to make money and i could donate it all and it wouldn't make an ounce of difference.

i think these adverts are unfair for making you feel guilty about living a comfortable life.

[Ninastar]

some charities help like water aid, but the majority of it, no.

i could donate every single penny I own, i could sell my car to make money and i could donate it all and it wouldn't make an ounce of difference.

i think these adverts are unfair for making you feel guilty about living a comfortable life.

[Nedusa]

I personally think it is outrageous that we give aid to India and Pakistan both Nuclear powers. Why do we do this when there are other countries much more deserving..!!!

[arista]

I personally think it is outrageous that we give aid to India and Pakistan both Nuclear powers. Why do we do this when there are other countries much more deserving..!!!


Yes it Must End.