Letter: Government is a key EC issue
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: Your report ('A two-edged sword to cut the EC jungle', 1 July) that our plan of action for the Presidency of the European Community contains no mention of our stand on good government, is quite wrong. Good government is as central to our policy on EC aid as it is to UK aid. As President of the Development Council, I shall underline the importance that the EC and its member states attach to good government.
We have consistently led the field in promoting sound economic policy, democracy and greater respect for human rights in developing countries, and we fully intend to consolidate recent progress on this at the Community level over the next six months and beyond. In November, development ministers will review action taken in the past year against countries where there have been serious violations of human rights or interruptions of the democratic process, and the positive measures taken to support those governments that are on the road to establishing more accountable, democratic administration.
In the light of this discussion, I shall urge my ministerial colleagues to continue to take firm action at the Community level that fully complements the UK's own policy in this area.
Yours truly,
CHALKER of WALLASEY
Overseas Development
Administration
London, SW1
1 July
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments