Official Development Assistance 2026-01-20
2026-01-20
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The US Government have cut funding for research and development on lifesaving health solutions that help the world’s poorest people, creating an opportunity for UK scientists.
In this context, will the Government seize the opportunity to continue progress on life expectancy in the global south and boost the UK economy by increasing their spending on global health research and development?
I cannot comment on the US’s decision; it is a matter for its Administration. As I have mentioned, one of the focuses of our ODA support will be on health. We have announced to the House additional funding for tackling life-limiting conditions, particularly on the continent of Africa.
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Assessment & feedback
The exact commitment or action regarding increased spending on global health R&D was not provided.
Response accuracy
Q2
Direct Answer
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Context
Millions of people, including thousands of women affected by horrific sexual violence, are impacted by the conflict in Sudan.
Despite aid budget cuts, will the Minister assure the House that support for the women victims of sexual violence in the conflict in Sudan will not be cut?
I know what a hugely important issue this is to all Members across the House. I can confirm that additional funding has been allocated in relation to the Sudan conflict. We are calling for the violence to end, particularly the violence targeted at women and girls. Part of this continuing funding is for trying to tackle the extreme levels of sexual violence that women are experiencing in Sudan.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q3
Direct Answer
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Context
Part of the official development assistance budget goes to investment in businesses creating employment in the poorest parts of the world, such as BII.
Will the Minister continue to ensure that BII receives injections of capital so that it can go on doing its work and earning a decent return for the British taxpayer?
I am pleased to say that the international development Minister in the other place, Baroness Chapman, is due to meet the group imminently. We will continue that work, including through my conversations with nations in the ODA context, on how we provide more support for business as one of the changes to ODA moving forward.
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Assessment & feedback
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
There are other models, including the International Finance Facility for Education and the International Finance Facility for Immunisation, that offer ways to leverage much more money.
Will Ministers, including a Treasury Minister, meet me to discuss such proposals and consider innovative forms of development finance in an era of less ODA?
I am, of course, more than happy to meet my hon. Friend, as diaries allow.
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Assessment & feedback
The exact commitment or action regarding meeting was not provided.
Response accuracy