Gates warns May not to cut aid spending

Bill Gates has called on the UK government to protect the 0.7 per cent of national income that it spends on aid to poorer countries.

The Microsoft founder urged the UK to protect its “leadership” in aid spending, in a speech to the defence think tank the Royal United Services Institute in London on 19 April. Gates said that if the UK pulled back, then it would send the wrong message to other countries and would ultimately  “cost lives”.

He said that the commitment was a well-considered decision that “sets an example for other wealthy Western countries. It also is visible proof of the UK’s goodwill and humanity.”