Extra £3bn Overseas Aid Would Have Kept Harrier Jets Flying For 20 Years -- The Daily Mail
British aid projects abroad are to be ‘branded’ with the Union Jack in an attempt to stem growing public anger over the amount spent on international development.
While most Government departments suffered savage cuts in last week’s Spending Review, foreign aid will rise by £3.1 billion by 2014.
The amount is enough to keep the 80-strong Harrier jump jet fleet – which will be axed under the cuts – in the air for 20 years.
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My Comment: For as long as I can remember, the argument has always been made that foreign aid actually helps in lessening world tensions and conflicts.
Even if true, the #1 priority for any government should be one's national defense .... national defense in the form of soldiers and equipment. Unfortunately .... foreign aid has a large constituency, and they (with their political allies) have a vested interest to keep such well funded programs alive.
Hence .... no carrier jets, but some village somewhere in Africa may get a functioning well.