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Today, the Coalition for Global Prosperity has launched its very first polling project which was carried out towards the end of 2020. The poll looked at attitudes to UK aid and overseas development in the constituencies which make up the Red Wall. CGP asked a selection of voters who had switched their vote to the Conservatives at 2019. 85% of those polled voted to leave the European Union in 2016. Some key findings were: 95% of voters said that it was important for Britain to support developing countries to prevent and contain future pandemic diseases like the Coronavirus 86% stated that it was important that the UK provides disaster relief and humanitarian assistance 88% said it was important to promote British value like democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and tolerance When asked about Britain supporting developing countries directly, 30% believe Britain should be supporting developing countries, 37% oppose supporting developing countries and 33% are undecided. 64% believe that helping the world’s poorest is the right thing to do 62% of those polled are more likely to vote for a political party that is dedicated to protecting Britain’s reputation as a force for good in the world.
Speaking on the launch of this project, Sarah Champion MP, Chair of the International Development Select Committee commented: The UK is a world leader in international development, it generates significant soft power, and helps support the world’s most vulnerable people. Ahead of COP26 and the UK’s hosting of G7 later this year, we have a chance to showcase British expertise on the world stage at a time when the country and the world needs experience and leadership on global public health, climate change, education of women and girls and a range of topics that UK aid will be essential to help tackle.
Coalition for Global Prosperity CEO Ryan Henson said: As this polling shows, the established narrative that all Red Wall voters are anti-aid is clearly in need of review. UK Aid is both the smart, and right thing to do. Right, because helping those who cannot help themselves is morally just. And smart because when we help bring security and prosperity to some of the world’s most vulnerable people, we help secure our own interests and security too.
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