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Emphasised reassurance regarding the reorganisation of the Department for International Development, suggesting it is a genuine merger rather than a hostile takeover. Acknowledged that most scandals over the past decade were from other Departments and not DFID.
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Discussed issues faced by Eswatini, particularly related to electricity supply constraints and their impact on learning. Sought assistance for improving electricity access in the country.
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Welcomes the orders supporting poverty reduction, disease control, and debt relief in Africa but criticises the Prime Minister's decision to abolish DFID. Highlights concerns about undermining UK's influence in international development institutions like IDA and African Development Bank. Emphasises the positive impact of current funding on programmes such as One WASH in Ethiopia.
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Responds to Stephen Doughty, questioning the logic behind the Prime Minister's decision to abolish DFID for prioritising aid to countries like Ukraine and the Balkans instead of using existing channels within DFID.
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The UK's role in multilateral financial institutions has been crucial for global development, particularly focusing on poverty reduction, gender equality, climate change, and public health. The hon. Member expressed concerns about the future direction of these institutions under the current government, questioning if their mandate to focus on poverty reduction will remain intact. He also asked specific questions regarding replenishments to the African Development Bank and IDA (International Development Association) concerning priorities like women and girls' development programmes, climate change, public health, education, and fragile states. Doughty highlighted the importance of holding institutions accountable for performance-based funding and emphasised the need for continued support to tackle the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in developing countries.
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The hon. Member advised that remarks should focus narrowly on the SIs (Statutory Instruments) in front of them and avoid reliving broader debates from earlier, indicating a need for parliamentary discipline to adhere to specific topics under discussion.
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Gibson echoed praise for DFID's efforts in addressing global poverty but expressed concern over the recent announcement about the future of DFID. She highlighted that despite the welcome measures announced today, there is an underlying fear that these actions could undermine the department’s effectiveness.
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Grayling intervened to remind Gibson about the SNP's policy of combining foreign affairs and international development in an independent Scotland, seemingly a rebuttal to any political motivations suggested by Gibson regarding DFID’s downgrading.
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The Scottish Government have a Minister in charge of overseas development. The speaker is concerned about the future direction of aid which might be used to pursue security and diplomatic aims rather than need-based assistance. She welcomes current measures but expresses profound fears for the future administration of aid.
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The speaker congratulates his Minister on handling the brief of economic development, particularly infrastructure that promotes trade and livelihoods in Africa. He cautions the Minister to avoid situations where relatively small amounts of money have been misspent, as it undermines DFID’s international reputation for transparency.
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The speaker discusses the need to stop and reverse deforestation in Africa through the work of the African Development Bank. He emphasises the importance of this activity in climate change mitigation and protecting endangered species, urging the Minister to prioritise funding for forestation projects.
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Welcomes the opportunity to debate statutory instruments regarding the ADB and IDA, noting that UK funding will help the poorest countries in Africa through clean energy and green growth initiatives. The UK's commitment to spend 0.7% of gross national income on official development assistance spending is highlighted as a positive step.
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Supports measures for the African Development Bank, emphasising its role in reducing poverty and providing immediate help during the coronavirus pandemic. Highlights the bank's High 5s initiative focusing on infrastructure needs across Africa. Mentions commitment to speedier delivery of project funds and dependency on a positive mid-term review.
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Agrees with Rob Butler that the Independent Commission for Aid Impact is crucial in ensuring value for money, independent from Government but reporting to Parliament. Emphasises its importance for scrutinising development initiatives.
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Reiterates support for ICAI and expresses hope for robust analysis of projects' impact on the people in greatest need. Concludes by stressing the importance of continuing aid even during difficult economic times at home.
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Duddridge responded to questions raised by other Members, including mentioning the importance of foreign direct investment in Africa. He also addressed concerns about trust funds at the ADB and stated that there are very few but welcomed discussions on how to use them more effectively.
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Doughty asked if the Government had any plans to change or amend the International Development Act 2002, given its importance in poverty eradication efforts.
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Twist raised a point of order regarding job losses at De La Rue plant due to the Government’s decision to award the contract for British passport production to Gemalto, leading to concerns about further job reductions in her constituency.