Monday 17 September 2012

Lord Ashcroft Tells Coalition to 'Turn Off the Golden Taps and Stop Flooding the Developing World with Our Money'

THE DAILY TELEGRAPH: Ministers should “turn off the golden taps and stop flooding the developing world with our money”, according to a senior Conservative.

Lord Ashcroft, who was made a Government adviser in this month’s reshuffle, said Britain’s approach to aid for the developing world was “flawed and self-defeating”.

He urged new development secretary Justine Greening to avoid “spraying around taxpayers’ money” in the developing world like Tony Blair and Gordon Brown.

In strident comments, Lord Ashcroft - who has donated millions to the Conservative party - said it was “politically insane” by trying to “curry favour” with Guardian readers over the development budget.

In an open letter to Ms Greening - signed "Yours sincerely, Michael xx" - he said: “Britain’s approach to aid is flawed and self-defeating.

“So I urge you to recommend to the Prime Minister to turn off the golden taps and stop flooding the developing world with our money.” » | Christopher Hope, Senior Political Correspondent | Monday, September 17, 2012