I know that Ministers are committed to making government more transparent, so taxpayers can hold the state to account both on how their money is being spent and how decisions are made which affect their lives. The Freedom of Information Act is one of the pillars on which open government
Many of you have contacted me about water and sanitation. I certainly agree with you that access to clean drinking water and effective sanitation is vital to give people in developing countries the opportunity to lead healthy, fulfilled, and productive lives. It helps people to be able to work, driving economic
I do understand that many people have concerns about international aid, but I can assure you that The Department for International Development (DFID) has said that a number of recent newspaper articles have reported claims that misrepresent or inaccurately portray projects supported by it, or focus on projects that are
I understand your concerns, but it is true to say that the Government has always been very clear that it is in favour of remaining in the EU, while allowing individuals to make their own views known. With that in mind, the Government therefore should be expected to put forward
I agree that any individual tax or company should be paying the tax it owes. Tax avoidance and aggressive tax planning by anybody is clearly unacceptable. I can assure you that the Government is committed to a proportionate, tailored response to improve global tax transparency, including in tax havens. The
I am pleased that the UK has played a leading role in tackling VAWG world-wide, and I know it will continue to be a top Department for International Development (DFID) priority. Women need choice and control over their lives. No country will develop if half their population is treated unequally
The atrocities committed by Daesh against Christians and other minorities, as well as the majority Muslim population in Iraq and Syria must be condemned in the strongest possible terms. Britain has been at the forefront of efforts to rally wider international support against Daesh. Work with international partners must continue
I appreciate your concerns and entirely that bees and other pollinators play a vital role in the security of our food supply and the quality of our natural environment. This is especially important in our local area, where much food production takes place. I welcome the work the Government has
I understand and share your concerns about the impact these ingredients can have on the marine environment and fish. That’s why I’m pleased to tell you that the UK and our neighbouring countries are now working with the industry to see their use phased out voluntarily. The UK, along with