THE majority of people across Yorkshire and the Humber think UK foreign aid should be focused on women and girls, research has suggested.

The poll, for anti-poverty campaign group ONE, found 77 per cent of people wanted to support females to improve the lives of everyone in developing countries. The findings come days after Parliament passed the International Development Act, which enshrined in law investing 0.7 per cent of gross national income in aid.

Beth Milburn, youth ambassador for ONE, said: “I’m delighted people in Yorkshire recognise the importance of supporting girls and women overseas. It’s also great to see how so many people want our aid to go to the least developed countries, it’s this region’s sense of fairness shining through. Local politicians mustn’t underestimate our support for helping the world’s poorest."

and if elected, must show they understand we want action.”

The poll also revealed that 59 per cent of respondents wanted the majority of UK aid to be targeted at the least developed countries, with 87 per cent agreeing it should be focused on tackling preventable diseases, such as malaria, Ebola and HIV/AIDS.