Finally

[DimPrawn]

Harlow MP Mr Halfon told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: 'People recognise that many public sector workers have had to struggle over the past few years.'

Mr Halfon said: 'I think we have to look, potentially, at sacred cows. What I'm suggesting is that we look at some of the overseas aid budget, which is going to be over £13 billion in the coming year.'

He insisted he was 'passionate about overseas aid' but added: 'I think we face a particular difficulty in our country where many public sector workers have had to struggle, particularly those on lower pay, so I think temporarily, while the economy remains difficult, while we get down the deficit, I think we need to look at sacred cows like the overseas aid budget and use that to help the lowest-paid public sector workers.'

Don't forget the £350m per week from the EU too.

[xoggoth]

That aid budget is ridiculous. There's a case for foreign aid but, apart from major disasters, it needs to be focused on long term improvement to a country's GDP. Studies show that aid to some countries has no measurable effect.

[OwlHoot]

That aid budget is ridiculous. There's a case for foreign aid but, apart from major disasters, it needs to be focused on long term improvement to a country's GDP. Studies show that aid to some countries has no measurable effect.

It will have a measurable effect if it bribes that country to vote to keep the UK as one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council

[xoggoth]

That's true. Hadn't thought of that.

[scooterscot]

Don't forget the £350m per week from the EU too.

Minus the rebate take us to £161m per week or £8bn pa. What benefits us more? Giving away £13 billion in aid or membership to a trading block the benefits everyone residing in it?

[scooterscot]

That's true. Hadn't thought of that.

I'll wager there's a few more things you've not thought of either.

[BlasterBates]

Things going well.

UK economy officially EU’s worst performer – POLITICO

[DimPrawn]

Things going well.

UK economy officially EU’s worst performer – POLITICO

We haven't left the EU yet remember?

So being in the EU relegates us to the bottom of the pile. Good thing we will leave soon.

[vetran]

That aid budget is ridiculous. There's a case for foreign aid but, apart from major disasters, it needs to be focused on long term improvement to a country's GDP. Studies show that aid to some countries has no measurable effect.

It does, the crown princes all have nice new BMWs/Mercedes brought by the British taxpayer

[DimPrawn]

It does, the crown princes all have nice new BMWs/Mercedes brought by the British taxpayer

And lots of nice shiny AK47s and RPGs from Russia too.