House of Commons · Urgent Question
16 December 2025 · 15 other contributors
Opened by Adam Jogee Lab Newcastle-under-Lyme
Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.
Adam Jogee raised concerns about africa new approach 2025-12-16 in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
Key points
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.
Opened the debate
Will the Minister confirm if the Government's new approach to Africa will protect the United Kingdom against geopolitical threats from Russia, China and other hostile states? Will it ensure that the Commonwealth gets meaningful support and is properly fit for purpose? How much money will be put behind this new approach and what steps will be taken to establish new trade deals between African nations and the UK?
Question
How will the Government's approach protect the United Kingdom against geopolitical threats from Russia, China and other hostile states? How much money will be put behind this new approach and what steps will be taken to establish new trade deals between African nations and the UK?
Minister reply
The strategy addresses Russian and Chinese influence through strategic security and defence relationships with countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Ghana. The Government is active in countering malign influences across Africa. Regarding financial details, while specific figures were not provided, the approach aims to unlock investment and trade opportunities.
Question
Why did the Government's plan fail to address China’s belt and road debt traps, Russia’s nefarious activities, or the Commonwealth's role in upholding democracy? Can the Minister explain what the UK will do to leverage our conflict resolution expertise?
Minister reply
The approach addresses Chinese and Russian malign influences by engaging across Africa. The Government continues work where it was functioning, such as migration efforts with Libya, but halted ineffective initiatives like the Rwanda deal.
Question
Can the Minister confirm that the approach will include disability rights and inclusion to truly strengthen systems and support people?
Minister reply
While specific details were not provided, the minister acknowledged the importance of disability rights and inclusion in strengthening systems.
Question
Will the Minister reassure the House that poverty reduction is at the heart of our strategy in working with local organisations across Africa?
Minister reply
The Minister reassures the MP that the Government remains committed to sustainable development goals, poverty reduction and working with local partners.
Question
Is the new approach for Africa not rather like the old strategy, but with much less development investment and influence? Will the Minister confirm that bilateral programmes are being cut to ribbons across Africa?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges the work of previous strategies, emphasising a shift towards economic diplomacy and engagement. He assures that more detail on ODA allocations will be provided in the new year.
Question
How will the strategy reflect the vital work of our diplomatic network within Africa, focusing on economic diplomacy?
Minister reply
The Minister thanks the MP for his kind words about the diplomatic service and emphasises that the Foreign Office remains focused on economic issues in Africa.
Question
What will be done to ensure progress is sustained with Morocco since the 2019 association agreement?
Minister reply
The Minister thanks his predecessor for the question and notes the shift in position on Western Sahara, emphasising the importance of continuing negotiations.
Question
Does the strategy reflect what was done during the previous Labour government with the Commission for Africa report? How does it address risks from Russia and China’s role in Africa?
Minister reply
The Minister acknowledges her disappointment and notes that questions on Russia and China will be discussed further by the Africa Minister.
Question
Is this a timid approach to Africa, lacking in detail compared to previous strategies? What are the next steps?
Minister reply
The Minister does not accept it as a timid approach but emphasises that decisions on ODA allocations will be announced in the new year.
Question
Will there be a shift in FCDO and diplomatic resources to align with the continent’s growing importance?
Minister reply
The Minister confirms that resources will indeed reflect the strategy, but decisions on ODA allocations will be announced in the new year.
Question
Will the Minister halt aid cuts to Malawi until full country-by-country impact assessments are carried out?
Minister reply
The Minister notes that UK aid programmes will continue and decisions on ODA allocations will be announced in the new year.
Question
What military advice or assistance are our experts in counter-insurgency providing to friendly Commonwealth countries like Nigeria that face jihadist extremist attacks from organisations such as Boko Haram?
Minister reply
We have a security and defence partnership with Nigeria, helping build capacity within their security agencies to respond to and prevent attacks. This includes support for the multi-agency anti-kidnap fusion cell which is particularly critical given recent events.
Question
While welcoming the Minister's statement, I am underwhelmed by constant cuts to foreign aid. Africa needs long-term investments and partnerships. What steps are being taken in light of China’s extensive investment over decades?
Minister reply
China has indeed invested more financial resources into Africa recently, but African Governments and people are wary of the conditionality that comes with it. We seek respectful partnerships to help address issues like debt. Where private sector investment is available from the UK, we support it.
Question
Churches and faith groups have played a key role in Africa for centuries through missions such as Samaritan’s Purse. Is it not time to work with churches to make those partnerships work for Africa and its people?
Minister reply
In my own time overseas, I saw the vital work done by church groups. Faith communities play an important role, especially in peace mediation and freedom of religious belief is a priority for the Government.
Government Response
Africa matters to the United Kingdom, with significant growth potential and mineral resources essential for our supply chains. The UK inherited an outdated approach but committed to a new one in its manifesto, launching a five-month consultation with African Governments and organisations to ensure mutual long-term benefit based on respect, equality, and partnership. The new approach covers seven areas: moving from donor to investor; working together on illegal migration; advancing shared interests on climate, nature, and clean energy; collaborating for peace and security; strengthening systems that support people and growth; championing African voices in global decision making; and supporting innovation and cultural partnerships.