Estimates Day

The hon. Member commended the hon. Member for Rotherham (Sarah Champion) and suggested that partnerships with church groups, NGOs and individuals could be beneficial in aiding development. He proposed that the Minister and Government should consider this approach.

The hon. Member asked the Chair of the International Development Committee about her reassurance regarding the UK's leading role in the eradication of polio. He mentioned that he had received good answers from the Minister regarding this issue.

The hon. Member emphasised the importance of having people available to facilitate the transition from aid to trade, and asked the hon. Member for Rotherham to elaborate on the importance of retaining staff to deliver the shift.

The hon. Member agreed with the importance of co-operatives in economic development, as they create jobs and give people a stake in the future of those jobs.

The hon. Member echoed the sentiments of the hon. Member for Strangford and expressed disappointment that previous Governments did not follow the International Development Committee's recommendation for someone from the FCDO to be on the board of BII.

The hon. Member disagreed with the right hon. Member for Dumfriesshire, Clydesdale and Tweeddale, expressing concern about the politicisation of state-backed financial institutions and its potential impact on their stability and effectiveness.

John Whittingdale discusses the challenges faced by the Foreign Office due to budget cuts and the potential impact on its activities. He supports increasing defence spending but emphasises the importance of soft power, questioning the future of the Soft Power Council. He raises concerns about the funding for the BBC World Service and the British Council, highlighting the need for reliable information and cultural influence against malign Russian and Chinese influence. He also calls for the UK to take a leading role in promoting media freedom.

Calvin Bailey agrees with Whittingdale's points about the British Council and its importance in countering Russian and Chinese influence, emphasising the cultural and linguistic training it provides to countries. He also highlights the need for support in African countries like Gabon and Mozambique to help them move away from Chinese influence.

Thornberry pays tribute to the work of FCDO staff and the vital importance of the Foreign Office, highlighting the challenges they face and the potential job cuts. She expresses concern about the restructuring of the Foreign Office and the British Council, and emphasises the importance of the BBC World Service in promoting truth and countering misinformation.

Endorses Thornberry's comments about the BBC World Service and inquires about the funding of BBC Monitoring, suggesting the need for a dedicated ringfenced grant for the service.

Mundell requested the Minister to continue supporting Abercrombie House in East Kilbride as the FCDO’s second headquarters. He noted the FCDO's significant budget cuts and expressed concern over the deeper and faster cuts compared to the Trump Administration. He highlighted the importance of the Child Nutrition Fund and the need for a strategic approach to ODA. He emphasised the necessity of a plan for the future of aid and the importance of not creating a vacuum of influence. He specifically mentioned the impact of the cuts on HIV/AIDS funding.

Ghani mentioned that there is now a speaking limit of seven minutes, but her contribution was limited to this brief remark.

Law argued that the model used to deliver the FCDO’s aim of alleviating poverty and stabilising countries has been confused for too long. He emphasised the need to trust local knowledge, build local institutions, and empower local businesswomen and businessmen to deliver economic growth that sustainably lifts people out of poverty. He questioned the Minister about why the Government is not capitalising on institutions that deliver on development and climate goals. Law also highlighted the need to measure success not by how much is given, but by how little is eventually needed.

Mathew emphasises the severe reduction in UK aid for water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), noting that funding has been cut by 82% since 2018. He argues that WASH is crucial for achieving sustainable development goals, as it underpins health, education, and economic opportunities. Mathew calls for the Government to restore aid funding, particularly for WASH, to uphold the UK's global leadership and values.

Daby discusses the impact of aid cuts on women, peace and security (WPS) and humanitarian assistance in Sudan. She highlights the reduction in WPS projects and the risk to women’s voices in peacebuilding. Daby also raises concerns about the 90% cut to the girls’ education programme in South Sudan and the insufficient funding for the Sudanese humanitarian crisis. She urges the Government to restore ODA spend to 0.7% and to prioritise grassroots organisations alongside Governments.

Edward Morello outlines the substantial cuts to FCDO funding, including a 5.3% reduction in day-to-day spending and a 66.6% reduction in capital investment, and their impact on the department's ability to maintain a strong diplomatic presence. He stresses the need for diplomacy and the use of soft power, and criticises the reduction in funding for international institutions and cooperation.

Emily Thornberry interjects to agree with Edward Morello's speech, highlighting the deep relationship between the UK and the United States that goes beyond any single leadership, and underscores the importance of maintaining these relationships.

I am honoured to speak in this debate and thank my colleagues for securing it. I worked in international development, specifically on water sanitation and hygiene. I support the BBC and the FCDO staff working hard for my constituents. Britain is back on the international stage, leading on Ukraine, Sudan, and Europe. Development spending is strategic investment, not charity, and it underpins conflict prevention. I am concerned about cuts to the aid budget and the false division between defence and development. I highlight cuts to the ODA budget, aid to Africa, support to Sudan, global health programmes, education, gender, and equality programmes. These cuts leave room for China and Russia to step in. I ask the Minister to confirm our commitments to the BBC, conflict reduction, education, water, sanitation and hygiene, and global health, and to back them up with funding and staff.

Since the last estimates day, the world has grown more volatile with ongoing war in Europe and the Middle East descending into crisis. The BBC World Service and the British Council are vital to our soft power. I focus on Foreign Office support for education in the Middle East, which is a long-term investment to create a more stable world. I highlight issues with the Palestinian Authority's education reform agenda, including textbooks that promote violence and indoctrination. I ask the Minister to publish the methodology and scope of the audit and to determine whether the content meets acceptable standards.

Supporting the defence spending that aid cuts will fund and the need for trade and British international investments, while also feeling deeply uncomfortable about the cuts to aid. Urges the Government to draw up and publish a proper, evidence-based impact assessment of the cuts. Highlights the importance of considering the impact on areas such as conflict zones, de-mining operations, and public health, asking for analysis on the impact of these cuts. Emphasises the importance of the UK’s expertise in value for money, sustainability, anti-corruption, and gender mainstreaming. Raises concerns about the influence of China and Russia in the global south.

Critiqued the Labour Government's decision to cut aid budgets to shore up defence spending, arguing it is a false economy and strategically illiterate. Highlighted that development is a pillar of foreign policy and warned about the risks of slashing aid, including weakening defence and diplomacy. Pointed out that UK aid to Africa has been reduced by £184 million and that international climate finance could fall by nearly £3 billion. Stressed the importance of a coherent strategy and oversight mechanisms like the Independent Commission for Aid Impact. Urged the Government to change course and set out a clear timetable to return to 0.7% aid budget.

The speaker highlights the ongoing threat to British nationals in the Middle East and calls for the Foreign Secretary to address the situation. She raises concerns about the FCDO's efficiency savings, the financial cost of the former ambassador's appointment, and the impact of the Chagos surrender deal. She also criticises the lack of clarity regarding costs and funding for the Chagos Archipelago deal and calls for transparency in public spending. The speech touches on the relationship with China, the Middle East peace plan, and the need for transparency in aid spending. It also addresses issues in Sudan, Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine, emphasising the importance of the FCDO in securing national interests.

Paid tribute to civil servants, confirmed the summoning of the Iranian ambassador, provided updates on consular assistance, acknowledged the need to reduce reliance on the US for defence, committed to meeting statutory obligations on ODA spending, outlined the challenges and importance of change for FCDO 730, and supported the modernised approach to international development focusing on partnerships, impact, and reducing the use of rape as a tool of war.

Asked about Abercrombie House in Scotland and the plan for the FCDO transformation.

Skipped over the fact that a Labour Government introduced ODA funding but appreciated that the Lib Dems reached the 0.7% target after the 2010 general election.

Secured the debate and mentioned the International Development Committee.

Secured the debate and mentioned the work of the Foreign Affairs Committee.

Discussed the need for a new approach to international development with the phrase “partners not patrons.”

Discussed the importance of co-operatives in development.

Asked about water, sanitation, and hygiene in international development.

Asked about water, sanitation, and hygiene in international development.

Raised the right of women and girls to live in a world free from violence.

Asked about the budget for the BBC World Service.

Expressed concern over the staffing situation in the FCDO, highlighting the pressure and trauma staff are experiencing due to restructure and confusion over pensions. Emphasised the importance of having a workforce plan and necessary skills and expertise within the organisation to ensure adequate resources during times of need.