Cameron calls on world leaders to match UK pledge on foreign aid

David Cameron has called on world leaders to match the UK's legally binding commitment to devote at least 0.7% of national wealth to foreign aid.

The Prime Minister said huge strides had been made since the millennium goals made in 2000.

This has included saving more than six million lives from malaria and getting 43 million children into school.

But he said extra investment was urgently needed if new 15-year United Nations development targets were to be met across the world's poorest countries.

He told a United Nations summit in New York: "We haven’t just achieved the UN’s target – we’ve enshrined it in law.

"This investment is helping the world's poorest and most vulnerable people to build a better life.

"Children vaccinated who would have died, refugees fed and clothed who would have starved, countries given a chance of stability and security that otherwise would have fallen apart.

"Aid is not enough on its own. So today, I call on others to follow Britain’s lead.

"I say to my fellow world leaders from developed countries: We’ve been making these aid promises for years. Now, let us all deliver on them. The world is watching."

Cameron said a "new global partnership" was needed to ensure help was really delivered to the world's poorest.

He added: "The UK will lead the way on this internationally, just as we did in leading this agenda with our G8 Presidency in 2013.

"That is why I’ve committed to host a major Anti-Corruption Summit next year, to drive further action.

"So I say to leaders in government, business and communities around the world: If you’re committed to making progress towards these goals, the UK is on your side and we will work with you on our shared quest."