Key Quotes

02 February 2006

3rd White Paper Speech, Royal African Society, London

Hilary Benn, Secretary of State for International Development

Speech given by the Secretary of State Hilary Benn - "Political Governance, Corruption and the Role of Aid"

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On aid and corruption and ways the UK Government deals with it:

• ‘Aid can be part of the solution to the problem of corruption. Where we can, we work with and through governments to support them in becoming more accountable, more responsive, and better able to achieve progress – and ultimately more legitimate. And where we can’t, we will still find ways of helping poor people. And we will continue to work to help countries fight corruption.‘
   
• ‘Now some would argue that we should refuse to work in such countries at all until these problems are sorted out. I think that view is wholly mistaken. Just because poor people live in a country where corruption is a major problem, does that mean we should walk away? Should they be made to suffer because governance is bad? I think not. What I think it does mean, however, is that we should work in different ways in different circumstances to ensure that the money gets to where it is most needed.’
   
• ‘The poorest still deserve help with life’s basic necessities regardless of the quality of their government.’
   
• ‘Even where there is no reasonable hope of working with the government – as is the case in Zimbabwe – does that mean we should stop caring about its people ? Would it be right to punish Zimbabweans for their repressive regime; a regime they did not freely elect ? I think not.’
   
• ‘The other argument is that our aid – in whatever form – can prop up bad governments. And that’s a risk that we need to take seriously – and we do. That’s the argument for having a range of instruments through which to channel our aid.’
   
• ‘Clear - as we search for the right kind of conditionality – that our aid is conditional on clear principles. Respect for human rights and international obligations; commitment to improved public financial management and to fighting corruption; and a will to reduce poverty. These are the essential foundations of our partnership.’

On the recent allegations of corruption amongst Kenyan government officials :

•  ‘And let me pay tribute here to John Githongo’s bravery in blowing the whistle on the extent of the problem. Swift action by the government will send a clear signal to the people of Kenya, and to the world, that the commitment to good governance means something. Failure to act, simply won’t be acceptable, least of all to the Kenyan people.’
   
• ‘(...) we should work in different ways in different circumstances to ensure that the money gets to where it is most needed. That’s why we have refused to give Kenya any direct budget support – money which goes straight into the government budget to be used for supporting general spending. That’s why in Kenya we have already taken a different approach – money ear-marked for a particular purpose.’
   
• ‘(...) alongside providing money for education, we are also helping to build systems that can help prevent corruption – if they are used. Improving public financial management and procurement practice, and helping with governance, justice, and law and order. Assisting Kenyan citizens to hold their government to account through civic education and support to Transparency International.’
   

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