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DFID-FCO Merger
18 June 2020
Lead MP
Wendy Chamberlain
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EmploymentForeign Affairs
Other Contributors: 40
At a Glance
Wendy Chamberlain raised concerns about dfid-fco merger 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
The merger between DFID and the FCO was announced on Tuesday, raising concerns about its timing during the coronavirus crisis. The process will start immediately and be completed by September. Wendy Chamberlain questions why this is happening now and prior to the integrated review without proper consultation with NGOs or unions. She also inquires about job security for DFID employees, including EU nationals, and expresses worry that humanitarian concerns may not be heard at the highest levels of Government.
Dominic Raab
10:36:00
The merger aims to integrate development policy with foreign policy decision-making to maximize the impact and influence of aid. It will start immediately, be completed by September, and there are no plans for compulsory redundancies or changes to the 0.7% GNI commitment. The Prime Minister will set overall international strategy through the National Security Council.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
The merger has been roundly condemned by three former Prime Ministers and questions are raised about its timing during the pandemic, lack of consultation with NGOs or unions, job security for DFID employees, retention of a Cabinet Minister position for international development, oversight of aid spending, commitment to current projects and recipients, and consistency with the Prime Minister's policy ambitions.
Thomas Tugendhat
Con
Tonbridge
He emphasises the importance of maintaining the ethos and expertise of DFID in the new structure while integrating foreign policy. He agrees that the merger offers an opportunity to align aid, foreign policy, trade, defence, and wider security matters more closely.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
The merger of DFID undermines its effectiveness, transparency, and ability to deliver targeted aid. It also questions the timing and process of the decision-making.
Dominic Raab
Con
Foreign Secretary
Defends the merger as a necessary step to integrate foreign policy with development and ensure greater efficiency during the pandemic. Highlights that the aid budget will remain at 0.7% of GNI, and reiterates that other developed countries have not maintained separate development departments.
Cheryl Gillan
Con
Supports the merger to maximise resources for UK's global position, but questions whether integrating DIT into FCDO would make more sense.
Chris Law
SNP
Dundee Central
Strongly opposes the merger as unforgivable amid a pandemic. Questions lack of consultation with international development organisations and Cabinet.
Robert Halfon
Con
Southend West
Proposes using overseas aid to create an apprentice scheme for young people to work in developing countries, suggesting it would help both the recipients and participants.
Sarah Champion
Lab
Rotherham
Raises concerns about implications of merger on DFID staff, urges clarity regarding future projects and funding agreements, and questions need for an ODA Select Committee.
Kate Osamor
Lab Co-op
Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
The interconnectedness of the modern world means that no one is safe until we are all safe, especially in response to the coronavirus pandemic. The sudden merging of DFID and FCO without parliamentary scrutiny or consultation raises concerns about aid being tilted towards richer countries like Ukraine and the lack of a dedicated Cabinet Minister responsible for international development.
Asked whether claims that this merger will take money from the world’s poorest are false and if this is part of a programme to integrate British overseas policy more coherently.
Lisa Cameron
SNP
East Kilbride
Around 600 jobs in DFID's East Kilbride office may be at risk due to the merger, causing anxiety for staff and their families. Requested a meeting with the Secretary of State to discuss these issues.
Harriett Baldwin
Con
West Worcestershire
As a former merged Minister in both FCO and DFID, she supports the merger but seeks reassurances that the Secretary of State will be a strong voice for the world’s poorest at Cabinet level and that aid spending priorities will remain unchanged.
Stephen Timms
Lab
East Ham
Expressed regret over the downgrade of DFID's status, arguing that it undermines the consensus on international development. Suggested there is a difference between focusing on moral duty and national interest, but the Secretary of State disagreed.
Suggested learning from other countries like Australia, Canada, and New Zealand which integrate foreign policy and aid effectively within their Foreign Ministries.
Ynys Mon
Raised concerns about the risk of repeating past scandals where aid was tied to foreign policy objectives at the expense of moral duty, such as the Pergau dam scandal under the Conservative Government.
Maria Miller
Con
Basingstoke
Welcomed the announcement and asked how social justice programmes like education for girls would continue to receive priority within a more complex framework.
Rushanara Ali
Lab
Bethnal Green and Stepney
Suggested that merging DFID with FCO is a distraction in the middle of an emergency. Concerned about the risk of aid being misspent on foreign security projects which could lead to human rights abuses.
John Howell
Con
N/A
Says that the merger is justified by current practice and that officials in places like Nigeria already work on an integrated basis.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Confirms the merger aims to bring together aid, development, and foreign policy functions for maximum effectiveness. Emphasises the importance of not siloing international security functions.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Expresses concern that DFID's critical role in global health and HIV response may be diluted under the new structure, questioning whether the FCO can handle these priorities effectively.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Responds by affirming that key priorities like HIV will remain a top priority in the new administrative structures and that political effort will be maximised on those areas.
Simon Jupp
Con
N/A
Welcomes the merger as necessary for boosting global Britain, emphasising the legal commitment to spending 0.7% of national income on aid and advocating for making best use of resources.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Reiterates that the merger is about strategic objectives and ensuring foreign policy, aid, and international goals are brought together effectively.
Richard Burgon
Lab
Leeds East
Criticises the Prime Minister's mocking attitude towards aid and expresses doubt regarding the government's commitment to poverty reduction at home and abroad.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Defends the Prime Minister’s previous work in foreign policy and commits to maintaining strategic objectives and results for taxpayers’ money.
Andrew Murrison
Con
South West Wiltshire
Welcomes the merger but asks about the role of the Independent Commission for Aid Impact, and questions whether terms and conditions will be levelled up or down.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Reassures Murrison that there is a commitment to maintaining scrutiny over the aid budget and retaining expertise from DFID staff.
Heather Wheeler
Con
N/A
Asks about the importance of sexual and reproductive health rights in future ODA, thanking Raab for his previous work as Foreign Secretary.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Reaffirms that public health goals will not be diluted and expresses gratitude towards Wheeler’s contribution to the Asia-Pacific region.
Alyn Smith
SNP
N/A
Opposes the politicisation of international aid, asking Raab to meet NGOs to discuss implementing the merger effectively.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Responds by explaining that NGOs’ interests are understandable given their reliance on aid funding and reiterates the commitment to effectiveness in delivering strategic objectives.
Chi Onwurah
Lab
Newcastle upon Tyne Central and West
Expresses concern that the merger will undermine Britain's influence in Africa, arguing that diplomacy should be driven by British interests while development must benefit African countries.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Disagrees with Onwurah’s view and argues for the effectiveness of bringing together aid, development, and foreign policy objectives in conflict zones like Africa.
Huw Merriman
Con
N/A
Initially concerned about the merger but now trusts Raab to deliver value for money with the aid budget and believes he will do so effectively.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Agrees with Merriman’s trust, reiterating commitment to delivering results while maximising value for taxpayers' money through a coordinated approach.
Rupa Huq
Lab
Ealing Central and Acton
Questions the lack of consultation in announcing the merger and expresses concern about collective responsibility and transparency being compromised.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Responds dismissively to Huq’s political criticism, focusing instead on the need for innovation and effectiveness during the coronavirus crisis.
James Sunderland
Con
N/A
Welcomes the merger's promise of coordination and synergy but asks about a comprehensive strategy for combining soft and hard power.
Dominic Raab
Con
N/A
Reiterates that the merger aims to be as effective as possible during the coronavirus challenge, bringing together security factors and wider strategic views.
Government Response
The merger will integrate development know-how with diplomatic reach, enhancing the UK's global influence. The process has been under discussion for weeks and months, aligning foreign policy interests with aid goals in cases like Yemen or Gavi summit. There are no compulsory redundancies planned. Defended the decision to merge FCO and DFID, stating it will lead to more efficient foreign policy integration. Emphasised that aid spending will remain at 0.7% of GNI, and welcomed support from former Foreign Secretary Sir Malcolm Rifkind among others. Acknowledged concerns and committed to ensuring maximum accountability for the process and new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Emphasised that aid will be represented at the Cabinet table by the Secretary of State and in the National Security Council chaired by the Prime Minister. Responds extensively to various questions raised by MPs, emphasising the need for integrated foreign policy, aid, and development functions to maximise effectiveness.
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