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Global Britain
16 June 2020
Lead MP
Boris Johnson
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyClimateStandards & Ethics
Other Contributors: 42
At a Glance
Boris Johnson raised concerns about global britain 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
Prime Minister Boris Johnson outlined the government's plan to merge the Department for International Development with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, arguing that this integration will maximise Britain's influence on the world stage. He cited the need to address contemporary global challenges such as climate change, international health security, and economic competitiveness. The merger aims to create a new department, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), which would unify diplomatic efforts with aid spending for better coherence in foreign policy.
Keir Starmer
Lab
Holborn and St Pancras
Shadow Secretary of State Keir Starmer criticised the Prime Minister's statement, arguing that it was a distraction from pressing domestic issues such as rising unemployment and high covid-19 death tolls. He emphasised Labour's commitment to maintaining DFID's effectiveness and its role in tackling global poverty and injustice, expressing scepticism over the proposed merger and questioning how this restructuring would impact staff numbers and budget allocation.
Steve Double
Con
St Austell and Newquay
The MP welcomed the Prime Minister's statement, asking if it was a merger rather than a takeover and whether it would enhance the role of international development in foreign policy. He also confirmed that the Government’s commitment to invest in and support the world’s poorest remains strong.
Ian Blackford
SNP
Ross, Skye and Lochaber
The MP criticised the Prime Minister for using a pandemic as an excuse to dismantle structures for international development. He highlighted expert advice against merging DFID and questioned the government's decision to suspend all non-priority projects.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
The MP welcomed the statement, aligning it with other CANZUK countries, Denmark, and Norway. He requested that technical expertise from DFID should be preserved in the new Department.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
The MP expressed disbelief at the decision to merge FCO and DFID, arguing it undermines soft power and international standing. She questioned how ODA spend would now be scrutinised and protected in light of the new structure.
Called for a stronger, more authoritarian voice on the international stage and advocated for a grand strategy linking Foreign Office, Trade, Defence, and DFID. He is concerned about the timing of the integration due to an enduring emergency that must be prioritised over the current review.
Asked the Prime Minister to ensure that the new Department will maintain the same level of global political and economic influence developed under DFID while maximising opportunities for UK exporters.
Edward Davey
Lib Dem
Kingston and Surbiton
Stressed that Britain’s international aid should focus on helping the world's poorest and criticised the move as a step backwards in tackling global poverty during a crisis.
Congratulated the Prime Minister on his reforming agenda and asked for reassurance that this is an opportunity to drive UK interests globally and protect vulnerable populations. He also inquired about the UK’s role in international organisations such as the G7, OECD, WHO, and WTO.
Asked for assurance that Northern Ireland would play a full part in free trade agreements, promoting the UK through diplomatic missions, and contributing to UK aid overseas.
Welcomed the Prime Minister's commitment to international aid and expressed concern about protectionism. He asked for a commitment to fighting protectionism in trade.
Kirsty Blackman
SNP
Aberdeen North
Asked if the priority of the new Department would be to help the most vulnerable people in the world or to increase the UK’s voice abroad.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Commented on social distancing rules and their impact on the Prime Minister's global ambition.
Clive Efford
Lab
Eltham and Chislehurst
Asked for a guarantee that linking aid to foreign policy is not the objective, referencing the Pergau dam scandal in 1994.
Andrew Griffith
Con
Arundel and South Downs
Expressed ambition for global Britain to be a world leader in clean technologies and export of English sparkling wine, creating high-quality jobs.
Kevin Brennan
Lab
Cardiff West
The right hon. Gentleman criticises the Prime Minister for prioritising Whitehall reorganisation over addressing Brexit, the pandemic, and civil unrest.
Chair of the House urging Members to ask shorter questions and allow the Prime Minister to provide concise answers.
Crispin Blunt
Con
Reigate
Welcomes the merger but raises concerns about values that will underpin global Britain’s international actions, particularly regarding Israel's annexation of Palestinian territories.
Lucy Powell
Lab Co-op
Manchester Central
Questions why the Government have not prioritised aerospace and defence industries in their vision for global Britain.
Gareth Bacon
Con
Orpington
Emphasises that championing values should be at the heart of global Britain’s strategy on the world stage.
Wera Hobhouse
Lib Dem
Bath
Critiques the move as shooting ourselves in the foot and morally reprehensible, suggesting it is about buying British goods rather than aid.
Claire Coutinho
Con
East Surrey
Welcomes the move to integrate trade with development aid for comprehensive dialogue across various sectors to help developing countries achieve their goals.
Asks whether tackling corruption should be a priority for the new Department and seeks assurance of its commitment to this cause.
Mary Foy
Lab
City of Durham
Raises concerns about lack of consultation with humanitarian experts before making such significant changes.
Alec Shelbrooke
Con
Wetherby and Easingwold
Confirms the decision will result in a stronger, more efficient approach for aid and diplomacy.
Diana R. Johnson
Lab
Kingston upon Hull North and Cottingham
Suggests using Britain’s influence to address domestic issues such as job losses rather than focusing on international matters during a national crisis.
Paul Holmes
Con
Hamble Valley
Questions the involvement of trade in the new Department and seeks assurance that it will work hand in glove with aid efforts.
Asks how Britain’s quarantine policy is compatible with its vision for global influence during a pandemic.
Requests guarantees that poverty reduction programmes will continue to focus on education and health, particularly the education of girls, post-merger.
Rachael Maskell
Lab Co-op
York Central
Critiques the timing of the merger, arguing it distracts from addressing urgent crises such as the pandemic and trade issues.
Supports the merger, seeing it as an opportunity for a new global Britain to align with CANZUK partners.
Carol Monaghan
SNP
Glasgow North West
Questions whether the Home Office will work collaboratively with other departments and if the colonial mindset will persist, hindering partnerships in the developing world.
Jeremy Hunt
Con
Godalming and Ash
Endorses the merger but suggests that a junior minister from DFID should attend Cabinet meetings to maintain commitment to eradicating poverty.
Chris Bryant
Lab
Rhondda and Ogmore
Strongly criticises the decision, describing it as insignificant compared to pressing issues such as high death rates and economic collapse.
Claire Hanna
SDLP
Belfast South and Mid Down
Concerned about the implications for addressing colonial legacies and continuing efforts towards equality and development.
Welcomes the merger, believing it will place aid and diplomacy at the centre of foreign policy and strengthen ties with Commonwealth countries.
Joanna Cherry
SNP
Edinburgh South West
Asks for a guarantee that the plans will not diminish the UK's commitment to fair trade and addressing poverty around the world.
Views the merger as an opportunity to lead in tackling climate change, support green technology development, and create jobs within the UK.
Angus MacNeil
SNP
Na h-Eileanan an Iar
Questions the operational details of the merger, particularly regarding the structure of leadership in foreign missions and the role of trade commissioners.
Expresses concern about maintaining scrutiny and accountability for UK aid spending post-merger.
Emma Hardy
Lab
Kingston upon Hull West and Haltemprice
References former Prime Minister David Cameron's criticism of the merger decision, questioning its impact on expertise and respect overseas.
Welcomes the end of bureaucratic wrangling between FCO and DFID staff, expecting a more unified approach to support allies and those in need abroad.
Government Response
Discussed the integration review, which aims to create an integrated strategy linking foreign policy, security, and development. He emphasised that this is not a return to tied aid but about coherence in projecting the UK’s mission abroad. Responds to questions about the merger's benefits for aid efficiency, values-driven foreign policy, trade integration, domestic issues, and commitments to tackling corruption and international law breaches.
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Assessment & feedback
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