The Department for International Development (DFID) has said that a number of recent newspaper articles have reported claims that misrepresent or inaccurately portray projects supported by it, or focus on projects that are no longer funded.
Aid is spent where it is most needed and all spending is rigorously checked as programmes progress. My ministerial colleagues have taken steps to make our aid spending more accountable and focused, by reforming the UK's aid strategy, cutting wasteful programmes and making sure spending is firmly in the UK's national interest. Together with an increased Defence budget and the UK's world class diplomatic service, our aid programme is helping to create a more prosperous and stable world.
This approach has helped reduce the threat to the UK from Ebola in West Africa, it is targeting the root causes of the migration crisis, and it is increasing economic prospects in fragile states to counter extremism and help build our future trading partners.
During my time visiting the United Nations, I spoke to a woman from Sierra Leone who thanked for for the aid that our country gives. Wihtotut it, her children and many other children would certainly not be here today.
Unfortunately, I will be unnable to attend the Westminster Hall debate on foreign aid due to prior commitments, though I am nonetheless satisfied that the Government is taking the correct stance on this matter.