Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Supporting Democracies during Covid-19

Wednesday 15 July 2020 · 1 question

Summarised by AI from the official record, so it can contain mistakes.

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 1 Partly answered 0 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Richard Graham inquired about steps taken by the Department to support democracies during the pandemic.
  • Nigel Adams confirmed the FCO and DFID support the Westminster Foundation for Democracy's work.
  • In 2019-20, 3.3 million from the FCO and 3.9 million from DFID was allocated to the Westminster Foundation for Democracy.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Graham Con Richmond Park
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK is supporting Hong Kong and implementing Magnitsky-style sanctions. The health and economic responses include support for governance, transparency and freedom of speech.

Question

Richard Graham asks about steps taken by the Department to support democracies during the pandemic, highlighting challenges and opportunities in 2021 when the UK chairs major international organisations like G7, Commonwealth, and COP26. He seeks more work from the Westminster Foundation for Democracy under DFID.

Answer from Nigel Adams (Minister of State for Africa at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office)

DFID and FCO are strong supporters of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy's work. Nigel Adams thanks Richard Graham for his commitment as chair of WFD. In 2019-20, £3.3 million from FCO and £3.9 million from DFID was allocated. Constraints on ODA due to covid-19 are expected over the next few months. The integrated review will examine options for enhancing democracy support. The merger presents an opportunity to strengthen UK's support for democracy.

Answered
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