Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Critiques the FCDO creation as a mess, questioning its impact on aid spending commitments and effectiveness. Emphasises the need for transparency regarding resource allocation strategies and independent assessments by ICAI.

Acknowledges concerns, highlights work done to listen to parliamentarians, NGOs and international organisations. Emphasises maintaining expertise and innovation in the new FCDO.

Regrets the merger on principle but accepts it has happened. Expresses concern about the merged Department being less than the sum of its parts, advocates for continued scrutiny by Select Committees and ICAI.

Welcomes the importance of ICAI and independent evaluation. Emphasises the link between 0.7% commitment and rules governing expenditure, urging not to balance books on backs of poorest.

Raises concern about impact of COVID-19 on children globally, seeks assurances regarding impact assessments if 0.7% commitment is not upheld.

Highlights importance of closer fusion between development and diplomatic efforts in tackling global challenges.

Questions how the new Department will continue vital work on poverty reduction, gender equality and international leadership amidst the pandemic.

Emphasises need for focus on economic development in poorest countries to address migration issues.

Calls for commitment to maintaining 0.7% of GNI for international aid, stressing importance of poverty reduction and sustainable development goals.

Mr. Raab congratulates the hon. Lady on her new shadow position and emphasises the government's commitment to protecting aid for the poorest, girls' education, and climate change goals despite the impact of coronavirus on the economy. He outlines specific measures such as providing clean energy access to 26 million people and supporting farmers with climate-resilient crops.

Ms. Buchan asks the Minister for the UK's objectives regarding its leadership position in the G7 next year.

Mrs. Champion questions whether the Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary commit to the Development Assistance Committee’s definition of aid and asks if the Independent Commission for Aid Impact needs to remain fully independent.

Mrs. Ghani welcomes the merger of departments and expresses concern about sending £71 million in aid to China, asking the Minister to commit to addressing human rights abuses against the Uyghur Muslims.

Mr. Whitley raises concerns that merging the Foreign Office and Department for International Development undermines the UK's commitment to climate change and sustainable development.

Mr. Robertson asks if the Secretary of State will contact potential foreign donors to ask them to increase their contributions to address the food crisis in east Africa, highlighting recent UK aid actions.

Mr. Russell-Moyle seeks reassurances that pathways into the new Foreign Office will not just be through the diplomatic service and asks if the Government will continue to support the International Development Committee.

Mr. Stewart questions whether the division in the Foreign Office will work similarly to how the ODA worked when it was part of the Foreign Office.

Mr. Grey asks if using aid budgets for military spending aligns with the spirit of 0.7% and helping those in need around the world.

Mr. Brereton asks the Minister to assure him that there will be a clear alignment between aid spending and UK’s priorities overseas, emphasising national interest.

Mr. Farry questions why the call for evidence regarding the integrated review makes no reference to promoting democracy or upholding human rights.

Agrees with the merger of FCDO and believes it will allow the UK to seize opportunities ahead.

Reiterates that the merger is critical for integrated review, pays tribute to Heather Wheeler's work in Asia, explains how Covid-19 reinforced the case for integration, and emphasises the role of aid and development in conflict stabilisation.

Believes today’s merger will allow the UK to have a greater impact on the world stage, particularly under the 'global Britain' agenda and post-coronavirus recovery.

Questions the necessity of reviewing the Independent Commission for Aid Impact's work, concerned about potential deficiencies in its scrutiny role.

Welcomes linking of moral duty, diplomacy and aid but asks for assurance that existing aid project letters of arrangement will be honoured and expresses concerns over short notice periods given to multi-year projects.

Expects the Foreign Secretary to take actions towards a just global distribution of the vaccine, highlighting potential risks if wealthy countries act individually rather than collectively.

Asks about the creation of the new Department and its impact on UK-funded material for Palestinian teachers and publication of interim report into this subject.

Dismayed by the first act of the new Department, which has been to cut the foreign aid budget; calls for increased spending on water, sanitation, and hygiene projects.

Welcomes the better access DFID colleagues will have at Wilton Park in his constituency and highlights how covid has demonstrated the benefits of integrating foreign policy efforts.

Asks for more detail about the future plans for DFID staff, particularly regarding awareness of their roles post-merger.

Agrees that this is excellent timing to bring security, foreign, and development work together, given the upcoming COP26 and G7 presidency.

Emphasises the integration of foreign policy and aid efforts to create a more powerful 'force for good' in global issues such as climate change, humanitarian crises, and conflict resolution. Mentions specific examples like Yemen's conflict resolution and COP26 climate summit.

Asks about the effectiveness of the merger in resolving cases like Luke Symons' detention by Houthis in Yemen, questioning whether the new structure will improve diplomatic and humanitarian efforts.

Questions if the guiding purpose of the FCDO is to promote UK interests abroad and links aid use to national interest, suggesting that these should go hand in hand without contradiction.

Requests a specific Minister appointed to champion sustainable development goals at Cabinet and National Security Council meetings to oversee transparent ODA spending.

Inquires about the enhancement of UK's role in climate change efforts, including programmes like Partnerships for Forests, asking if funding will be maintained post-merger.

Challenges Secretary of State to end hidden support for fossil fuels and demonstrates concern over the credibility of UK’s climate action efforts.

Asks if resources will increase to support LGBT+ rights globally, citing importance of Britain's leadership in this area.

Requests measures and reports within six months for reviewing the success or failure of the merger post-integration.

Suggests focusing on international trade with UK in light of developing countries' growth and reduction of extreme poverty over past two decades, praising capitalism's success.

Reflects positively on DFID’s achievements but questions how the success of the new FCDO will be judged, suggesting a re-think if it fails to match previous successes.

Asks for assurance that changes will enhance efforts in alleviating global poverty and improving healthcare, sanitation, water supply, and education in developing countries.

Reaffirms commitment to tackling poverty and gender inequality as priorities for the new FCDO following its creation.

Asked about the practical implications of separating moral and national interests, particularly in funding for Syrian refugees.

Asked about the alignment between aid expenditure aimed at state-building and national security and economic benefits to the UK.

Inquired whether ODA funds could be used for spying or military purposes, receiving a clarification from the Secretary of State that while such activities may occur, they are not the primary use of aid funds.

Suggested revisiting the high foreign aid commitment given current economic climate, and asked if the Department would consider this during the spending review.

Called for recognition of Foreign Office staff contributions in projects such as building bridges, schools, and education programmes.

Asked about the cost to taxpayers of merging the Foreign Office with DFID. The Secretary of State responded that administrative savings could be expected due to back-office efficiencies, but specifics would be detailed in the Comprehensive Spending Review.

Invited consideration for reviving initiatives like prevention of sexual violence in conflict as part of the aid budget, which was acknowledged positively by Dominic Raab.