{"id":20428,"date":"2021-06-02T21:00:20","date_gmt":"2021-06-02T21:00:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/bfpg.co.uk\/?p=20428"},"modified":"2024-05-15T14:01:44","modified_gmt":"2024-05-15T14:01:44","slug":"swing-voters-foreign-aid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/bfpg.co.uk\/2021\/06\/swing-voters-foreign-aid\/","title":{"rendered":"Swing Voters and the Electoral Significance of Foreign Aid: A Study in Conservative-Lib Dem Marginals"},"content":{"rendered":"

Swing Voters and the Electoral Significance of Foreign Aid: A Study in Conservative-Lib Dem Marginals<\/strong><\/p>\n

Published today, this report contributes new evidence to the understanding of public attitudes towards foreign aid, including areas open to both policy and political influence, and highlights the potential electoral significance of international development in marginal seats of current and future importance in the UK\u2019s political landscape.<\/p>\n

The report is focused on public opinion in 30 seats in England, which are closely contested between the Conservative Party and the Liberal Democrats.<\/p>\n

REPORT SNAPSHOT<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although Britons in Conservative-Lib Dem marginal seats largely support\u00a0the decision to temporarily reduce international development spending, they also recognise the moral and strategic value of the UK\u2019s aid investments. The enduring political commitment over the past decade to remain one of the world\u2019s leading aid donors has formalised and embedded this issue within the public consciousness.<\/p>\n

45% of citizens in Conservative-Lib Dem marginal seats believe that Britain has a moral obligation to help the world\u2019s poorest people, even when our own economy is going through a difficult time. <\/strong><\/p>\n

While international development may not always be considered as fundamental as other foreign policy and security investments, it remains a point of pride and identity for many Britons.<\/p>\n

When asked which emotion best sums up the UK\u2019s commitment to being a world leader in international aid, the largest single group of respondents say they feel pride (25%).<\/strong><\/p>\n

Although the coronavirus pandemic has evidentially sharpened minds about the scarcity of state resources, it has also drawn attention to the connectivity we share as part of the global community, and the fact that poor health outcomes can compromise the security of all people.<\/p>\n

64% of citizens in Conservative-Lib Dem marginal seats surveyed believe human rights and values are universal, and that those living in the poorest parts of the world ultimately share the same hopes and dreams as we do. And 70% believe the pandemic has highlighted how the health and well-being of the world\u2019s citizens affects us all.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is a very clear sentiment expressed throughout the results that Britons in these seats want the nation to stand in the \u2018middle of the pack\u2019 amongst our allies \u2013 they are more responsive to ideas of us being part of a community of leading democracies than being \u2018world-leading\u2019 ourselves.<\/p>\n

46% of citizens in Conservative-Lib Dem marginal seats believe we should spend the same as our allies do on international aid, compared to 17% who believe we should spend somewhat more, and 13% who believe we should spend somewhat less.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There are clearly significant gaps in both knowledge, interest and support for many aspects of the UK\u2019s foreign aid and development programmes. In particular, there is a lack of understanding of development\u2019s strategic importance to the UK\u2019s broader foreign policy, security and economic objectives.<\/p>\n

In the Conservative-Lib Dem marginal seats surveyed, just 27% of citizens feel informed about where the UK\u2019s aid and development projects are directed and the outcomes of these investments.<\/strong><\/p>\n

There is a significant opportunity presented by this research to champion an educational campaign that better reflects the transformative, empowering nature of the UK\u2019s international development investments, and their tangible contribution to our collective global security, prosperity and well-being.<\/p>\n

READ THE REPORT<\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/h2>\n

Other Key Findings<\/strong><\/p>\n