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Official Development Assistance Target
13 January 2020
Lead MP
Patrick Grady
Debate Type
Adjournment Debate
Tags
ClimateBrexitForeign AffairsParliamentary ProcedureStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 2
At a Glance
Patrick Grady raised concerns about official development assistance target in the House of Commons. A government minister responded. Other MPs also contributed.
How the Debate Unfolded
MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said:
Lead Contributor
Opened the debate
MP Patrick Grady, welcoming the new minister to his post, congratulated him on his appointment. He thanked the voters of Glasgow North and his team for their support during the election. He emphasised the importance of cross-party consensus around aid spending and the UK's commitment to meet the global goals for sustainable development by 2030. Grady highlighted DFID’s role in delivering the 0.7% target on official development assistance, a goal that has been enshrined in statute since 1970. He also discussed the accountability of DFID, its transparency and effectiveness compared to other departments, as well as the importance of keeping aid spending distinct from military or diplomatic efforts. Grady raised concerns about the increasing amount of double-counted spending towards both NATO defence and ODA targets. He questioned the government’s commitment to maintaining a dedicated Department for International Development (DFID) and sought clarity on future plans.
Enfield, Southgate
Asked if merging DFID with the FCO would put at risk the work of an independent DFID, as seen in other countries like Australia and Canada.
Inquired whether Scotland, under the Barnett formula, could continue to spend its equivalent proportion or possibly more on aid if it were a separate nation.
Government Response
ClimateBrexitForeign AffairsParliamentary ProcedureStandards & Ethics
Government Response
Minister Andrew Stephenson responded positively to concerns about DFID’s future and reaffirmed the government's commitment to spending 0.7% of GNI on official development assistance throughout this Parliament. He highlighted significant achievements under DFID, such as supporting millions of children in education, poverty reduction initiatives, climate change adaptation projects, and humanitarian assistance during crises. The Minister also discussed the UK’s role in fostering economic development in Africa and South Asia to build trading partners for the future while contributing to global security. He mentioned that while DFID works independently, other departments collaborate effectively on challenges like Ebola or climate change. Stephenson assured that any changes to international aid rules would be based on evidence and a consensus approach. The Prime Minister retains responsibility for machinery of government decisions, ensuring continuity in supporting vulnerable people globally post-Brexit.
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