Scotland And International Development

Minister to use speech to say countries of Scotland’s size are leading the league table on tackling poverty.

It's claimed Scotland can lead the way on international development.

The International Development Minister will set out how the country can become a world leader in the event of independence.

Humza Yousaf will address Holyrood this afternoon.

He'll claim that countries of Scotland’s size, such as Norway, Sweden and Ireland are among the nations making the strongest overall contribution to driving down poverty across the globe.

Mr Yousaf will also commit to meeting a United Nations target of spending 0.7% of Gross National Income on aid and to enshrine the commitment in law in the event of a 'yes' vote.

“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.”

More than £11 billion worth of aid was handed over by the UK government last year.