Readers of this correspondence will be aware of criticism (Voice August 20) thrown at suggestions that charities favoured by the establishment could make a greater contribution to the causes proponents cherish if better run.
Therefore reports that this same establishment intends to remove its support for what it formerly claimed were the most important causes of all should alarm everyone.
Wealthy Tory media interests are urging the government as proposed to scrap the law earmarking for overseas aid a minimum equivalent to 0.7 per cent of GDP in government spending, a law introduced amid fanfare by a Tory-dominated government a few years ago.
Arguments for this step are the familiar concerns that overseas aid does not reach the sources for which it is intended, and that resources are better spent at home in current circumstances.
None of this claptrap washes. Firstly, 2012 was also an emergency, thanks to the double-dip recession wrought by Tory-dominated government policy.
Secondly we have just been told that doubts that resources earmarked for “good causes” are used to best effect can be dismissed as excuses used by “obnoxious” doubters.
Thirdly, the same political interests have recently told us that British overseas aid was no ‘cashpoint in the sky’ at all but vital humanitarian work of which government can be proud.
While some correspondents are averse to research, perusal of the nauseating virtue-signalling section of the Conservative manifesto of 2015 would open a few eyes.
The dishonesty of this section was something worse than obnoxious, not only since the Tories only brought in the law after 40 years’ foot-dragging, but because it had the endorsement of such ethical luminaries at the Oxfam CEO during sexual abuse in Haiti.
Some may disagree, but differing opinions whether charities are well run can be honestly received.
What is clearly dishonest is to retract such opinions the moment they have served a selfish or party political purpose.
G Kent
Mountbatten Avenue, Pinchbeck
