Andrew Mitchell welcomes the announcement on investment zones which will help with levelling up in the Birmingham area and he reminds the Government of the importance of UK investment in tackling international problems; the restoration of the 0.7% aid commitment in particular.
Mr Andrew Mitchell (Sutton Coldfield) (Con)
I welcome what my right hon. Friend has said, in respect of growth, about investment zones. He said that they would come to the west midlands, which I think will be very helpful in levelling up in the Birmingham area and the west midlands in general. May I remind him, however, of the importance of UK investment in tackling international problems, whether they involve pandemics, illegal migration or climate change? This is about British expertise, but it is also about British money. Can my right hon. Friend confirm that we are on track to restore what was a manifesto promise to bring back the 0.7% aid commitment in 2024?
Kwasi Kwarteng (The Chancellor of the Exchequer)
We are always looking at our manifesto commitments, and given our leadership in this regard, I hope that we can come to the 0.7% as soon as is practicable and as soon as the public finances allow it.