[ianch99]

Originally Posted by Damien

£12 billion isn't budget-breaking in the scheme of things. The pension bill alone is going to push over £100bn IIRC.

The UK foreign aid bill isn't entirely without self-interest either. It's one tool at the disposal of the government to influence foreign affairs. There are also cases where it's obvious why it should be needed. If you look at the Ebola issue from last year then poor healthcare and poverty can very quickly become our issue even if you ignore any moral responsibility that a rich nation should have over issues such as that.

Likewise if you're worried about mass migrations then one solution is to reduce the number of failed states. It's undoubtedly in our interests to increase the stability of nations around the world either by helping to stem starvation and disease or helping them to build the infrastructure and economies needed to build stable nations. It's not a magic bullet but they've got no chance if they don't have any economic to speak of or they're all dying.

It doesn't matter how much you attempt to isolate the UK off from the world, the world will come to us either way. When you look at the EU migration crisis then the solution is going to have to be some degree of engagement rather than sitting backing and hoping it solves itself. £12 billion doesn't seem like enough to me considering the power it could have.

This is so well said

Taking the long view and helping these countries to help themselves is not in fashion at the moment though. The dominant right wing media would have us just watch the world's troubles from a safe, cheap, distance.

Sad times ...