Lord Michael Ashcroft, a British businessman and conservative politician, announced he will give roughly $1.5-billion to charity once he dies. The gift would make him one of Britain’s biggest donors.

According to The Telegraph, a British newspaper, Mr. Ashcroft revealed his philanthropic intentions in a new epilogue to his book, Dirty Politics, Dirty Times.

Mr. Ashcroft has a well-know track record of giving. In the 1980s, he formed the Crimestoppers Trust, which works with the police and the public to solve crimes, and today is chairman of its board of trustees. He also has supported a British war museum and efforts to prevent whale hunting.

Despite his charitable history, some liberal blog writers question the timing of the announcement.

Last month, Mr. Ashcroft, who has citizenship in Belize, came under fire from Labour party officials for questions over his contributions to the Tory party despite a ban on overseas donations. The Tory party has said the political donations broke no laws.

What do you think? What causes in Britain, or elsewhere, would you like to see Mr. Ashcroft support?