A reality check

He also could not have foreseen the scale of the global economic downturn that is forcing many – including Defence Secretary Liam Fox – to question this commitment when so many sections of society, including the Armed Forces, are feeling the full force of this coalition’s spending squeeze. Yet, while it would be improper for Britain to scrap its obligations in their entirety, as some contend, there is no justification for the Department for International Development being exempt from the financial scrutiny that is being demanded of other Whitehall ministries.

Having proven that he is capable of spending the nation’s money, the onus should be on International Development Secretary Andrew Mitchell to show that he can do so prudently and wisely. That means putting in place strict measures that ally Britain’s benevolence to greater transparency in the developing world, with guarantees that the money is spent as intended rather than lining the pockets of corrupt dictators.

It means having monitors on the ground to ensure aid reaches the most impoverished communities, and Mr Mitchell having the courage to withdraw future funding from those countries that choose, ill-advisedly. to abuse Britain’s continuing generosity.

Transparency can be transformative – it can build trust, enhance Britain’s status as a global power and save lives. And, taken to its natural conclusion, it should mean existing resources going further because money will be spent more wisely rather than on a whim to improve the image of the Ministers in question.