Bill Gates warned Theresa May that should the Conservatives go ahead and abandon the UK’s overseas aid spending pledge it would reduce the country’s influence in the world and mean more lives lost in Africa. Downing Street sources also refused to say whether the target would be included in the party’s election manifesto when questioned. Labour believes May wants to cut the £12bn budget and abandon the UK’s commitment to the developing world. At prime minister’s questions on Wednesday, she dodged the question again, telling a Labour MP that the UK is meeting its commitment on foreign aid now. Kate Osamor, the shadow development secretary, said: “Bill Gates is right to point out that cutting the UK international development budget could cost lives.

Source: The Guardian April 19, 2017 20:20 UTC