Official Development Assistance 2024-11-26
2024-11-26
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
▸
Context
The question arises from concerns about the government's cuts to aid budgets and reallocation of funds towards in-donor refugee costs, which impacts overseas ODA projects.
If he will increase the amount and proportion of official development assistance allocated to humanitarian projects. The Government's insistence on continuing to implement the Tories' deep and damaging cuts to the aid budget and unprecedented levels of ODA spending on in-donor refugee costs is resulting in reductions, pauses and cancellations of overseas ODA projects.
I can tell the hon. Gentleman that our programme budget for the FCDO in 2025-26 will actually be at its highest level in recent years. We are able to deliver that because this Government are taking action on the issues that the previous Government did not tackle, in particular the in-donor refugee costs that have eaten into that budget.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for an increase in ODA allocated to humanitarian projects, but the answer focused on the overall FCDO programme budget and criticism of previous government actions.
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concerns about the impact of aid budget cuts and reallocation towards in-donor refugee costs on overseas ODA projects.
The Government's insistence on continuing to implement the Tories' deep and damaging cuts to the aid budget and unprecedented levels of ODA spending on in-donor refugee costs is resulting in reductions, pauses and cancellations of overseas ODA projects.
I can tell the hon. Gentleman that our programme budget for the FCDO in 2025-26 will actually be at its highest level in recent years. We are able to deliver that because this Government are taking action on the issues that the previous Government did not tackle, in particular the in-donor refugee costs that have eaten into that budget.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for information about specific projects being affected by funding cuts but received a general statement about overall FCDO budget levels and criticism of previous government actions.
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
▸
Context
A humanitarian crisis in Sudan includes rape as a weapon of war, with Médecins Sans Frontières data indicating high rates of sexual violence. The UK has pledged additional aid for the region.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is horrific, and it is clear that rape is being used as a weapon of war. Recent data from Médecins Sans Frontières highlights that 90% of sexual violence survivors in a hospital in Chad were abused by armed perpetrators, and 50% were attacked in their homes. This is happening in 2024. Can the Foreign Secretary provide details on how the UK's recent pledges on humanitarian aid for Sudan and the region are being used to support survivors of sexual and gender-based violence?
I am grateful to my hon. Friend for raising that incredibly concerning situation. The UK has been determined to do all that it can, particularly in relation to conflict-related sexual violence. In October 2024, it was the UK that led moves to secure the renewal of the mandate of the fact-finding mission at the United Nations Human Rights Council.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific details on aid use but received general statements about UN actions and commitments.
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
▸
Context
Concern over the costs to British taxpayers arising from a rushed deal on the British Chagos islands. The special envoy, Jonathan Powell, visited Mauritius.
The Government appear to be in a complete tailspin over whether they will release the costs that will fall to the British taxpayer as a result of the rushed deal to give away the British Chagos islands. Given the reported trip to Mauritius by the special envoy, Jonathan Powell, can the Minister at least confirm today which budget the costs will come from, including whether they intend to use the aid budget? Will she tell the House how much it will cost each year and in total, and if the British Chagossians will actually have a genuine say?
My understanding is that there were actually 10 rounds of negotiations under the Conservatives, but we did not see the UK reaching the necessary agreements. This is a frankly bizarre argument coming from the Opposition. All the details of the situation are in the public domain, and quite rightly so.
▸
Assessment & feedback
The questioner asked for specific budget and financial information but received historical context and criticism of previous government actions without addressing costs or budget specifics.
Response accuracy