Yesterday Anthony spoke in the International Women's Day debate to highlight the importance of the 0.7% international aid budget.
Speaking after the debate, Anthony said "As chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Preventing Sexual Violence in Conflict, women’s rights and the elimination of gender-based violence are issues I care greatly about.
The Domestic Abuse Bill has been a remarkable achievement for the Government, and organisations such as Sasha in Totnes are grateful to see the progress that has been made so far in this country. However, the forthcoming cut in international development aid from 0.7% to 0.5% will place a significant burden on the way in which we stand up for women’s rights across the globe. We have a moral duty to help those in some of the most difficult scenarios and circumstances in the world. I am therefore pushing the Government to hold a vote on this issue, and I hope that they will maintain the 0.7% so that we can uphold our commitment to goals for gender equality, women’s education and eradicating gender-based violence."