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International Development
18 June 2020
Lead MP
James Duddridge
Debate Type
General Debate
Tags
EconomyAgriculture & Rural Affairs
Other Contributors: 18
At a Glance
James Duddridge raised concerns about international development 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 debate focuses on five draft orders related to financial contributions to the African Development Bank (ADB) and the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA). The ADB aims to address infrastructure gaps in Africa, including transport, energy, water, and sanitation issues. Contributions include maintaining UK’s shareholding of 1.7% with a payment of £95 million over eight years and providing grants for electricity connections, agriculture improvements, and job support through the African Development Fund. The IDA will provide grant finance to the world's poorest countries, including those affected by conflicts and the current pandemic crisis.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
Emphasised reassurance regarding the reorganisation of the Department for International Development, suggesting it is a genuine merger rather than a hostile takeover. Acknowledged that most scandals over the past decade were from other Departments and not DFID.
Jim Shannon
DUP
Strangford
Discussed issues faced by Eswatini, particularly related to electricity supply constraints and their impact on learning. Sought assistance for improving electricity access in the country.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Welcomes the orders supporting poverty reduction, disease control, and debt relief in Africa but criticises the Prime Minister's decision to abolish DFID. Highlights concerns about undermining UK's influence in international development institutions like IDA and African Development Bank. Emphasises the positive impact of current funding on programmes such as One WASH in Ethiopia.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Responds to Stephen Doughty, questioning the logic behind the Prime Minister's decision to abolish DFID for prioritising aid to countries like Ukraine and the Balkans instead of using existing channels within DFID.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
The UK's role in multilateral financial institutions has been crucial for global development, particularly focusing on poverty reduction, gender equality, climate change, and public health. The hon. Member expressed concerns about the future direction of these institutions under the current government, questioning if their mandate to focus on poverty reduction will remain intact. He also asked specific questions regarding replenishments to the African Development Bank and IDA (International Development Association) concerning priorities like women and girls' development programmes, climate change, public health, education, and fragile states. Doughty highlighted the importance of holding institutions accountable for performance-based funding and emphasised the need for continued support to tackle the impacts of the coronavirus pandemic in developing countries.
Rosie Winterton
Ind
Netherlands Canals
The hon. Member advised that remarks should focus narrowly on the SIs (Statutory Instruments) in front of them and avoid reliving broader debates from earlier, indicating a need for parliamentary discipline to adhere to specific topics under discussion.
Patricia Gibson
Lab
Plymouth, Sutton and Devonport
Gibson echoed praise for DFID's efforts in addressing global poverty but expressed concern over the recent announcement about the future of DFID. She highlighted that despite the welcome measures announced today, there is an underlying fear that these actions could undermine the department’s effectiveness.
Chris Grayling
Con
Epsom and Ewell
Grayling intervened to remind Gibson about the SNP's policy of combining foreign affairs and international development in an independent Scotland, seemingly a rebuttal to any political motivations suggested by Gibson regarding DFID’s downgrading.
Patricia Gibson
SNP
Nairn, Aberdeenshire and Moray
The Scottish Government have a Minister in charge of overseas development. The speaker is concerned about the future direction of aid which might be used to pursue security and diplomatic aims rather than need-based assistance. She welcomes current measures but expresses profound fears for the future administration of aid.
Desmond Swayne
Con
New Forest West
The speaker congratulates his Minister on handling the brief of economic development, particularly infrastructure that promotes trade and livelihoods in Africa. He cautions the Minister to avoid situations where relatively small amounts of money have been misspent, as it undermines DFID’s international reputation for transparency.
Chris Grayling
Con
Epsom and Ewell
The speaker discusses the need to stop and reverse deforestation in Africa through the work of the African Development Bank. He emphasises the importance of this activity in climate change mitigation and protecting endangered species, urging the Minister to prioritise funding for forestation projects.
Wendy Chamberlain
Lib Dem
North East Fife
Welcomes the opportunity to debate statutory instruments regarding the ADB and IDA, noting that UK funding will help the poorest countries in Africa through clean energy and green growth initiatives. The UK's commitment to spend 0.7% of gross national income on official development assistance spending is highlighted as a positive step.
Supports measures for the African Development Bank, emphasising its role in reducing poverty and providing immediate help during the coronavirus pandemic. Highlights the bank's High 5s initiative focusing on infrastructure needs across Africa. Mentions commitment to speedier delivery of project funds and dependency on a positive mid-term review.
Andrew Mitchell
Con
Sutton Coldfield
Agrees with Rob Butler that the Independent Commission for Aid Impact is crucial in ensuring value for money, independent from Government but reporting to Parliament. Emphasises its importance for scrutinising development initiatives.
Reiterates support for ICAI and expresses hope for robust analysis of projects' impact on the people in greatest need. Concludes by stressing the importance of continuing aid even during difficult economic times at home.
James Duddridge
Con
Rochford and Southend East
Duddridge responded to questions raised by other Members, including mentioning the importance of foreign direct investment in Africa. He also addressed concerns about trust funds at the ADB and stated that there are very few but welcomed discussions on how to use them more effectively.
Stephen Doughty
Lab Co-op
Cardiff South and Penarth
Doughty asked if the Government had any plans to change or amend the International Development Act 2002, given its importance in poverty eradication efforts.
Liz Twist
Lab
Blaydon and Consett
Twist raised a point of order regarding job losses at De La Rue plant due to the Government’s decision to award the contract for British passport production to Gemalto, leading to concerns about further job reductions in her constituency.
Government Response
Described the importance of the African Development Bank as a key regional partner for the UK in delivering development, prosperity, and security objectives in Africa. Elaborated on specific financial contributions required by the draft orders including maintaining shareholding and providing capital provisions to support future purchasing capacity. Highlighted the World Bank's IDA’s role in supporting vaccines, childbirth services, electricity provision, and social safety nets for some of the world's poorest countries. The Minister responded to various questions, including those on the importance of foreign direct investment in Africa and trust funds at the ADB. He also reiterated the Government's commitment to development efforts.
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