Episode details

World Service,17 Mar 2011,28 mins
International aid for national security, plus lions for sale
One PlanetAvailable for over a year
Rich countries give to the poor because it's morally right - but also because it serves their national interests. That's according to the UK's International Development Secretary who has just announced significant changes to the country's aid programme. Secretary of State Andrew Mitchell sits down with Mike in this week's One Planet to explain his thinking behind a rise in his budget, but a cut in the number of countries receiving that aid. The minister also debates with Mike why countries like India should receive financial help and whether the coalition government will fulfil its promise to spend 0.7% of the country's national income on aid. Also in the show, following a campaign by environmental groups in America to get the lion put on the endangered species list, we speak to a man who's spent 40 years working with big cats. Plus we find out how easy it is to buy lion trophies shipped out of Africa. As ever, tune in, have a listen and let us know what you think. Email the team at [email protected], or join us on Facebook, the link's below.
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