Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Poverty and Inequality and UK Aid

Tuesday 20 April 2021 · 3 questions

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 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The UK remains a global leader in international development and is committed to supporting the world's poorest people, spending over 10 billion of ODA in 2021 based on current GNI forecasts.
  • The FCDO is testing innovative financing tools that will pull private finance towards sustainable development, including a pilot on development impact bonds in Kenya and Uganda.
  • The Foreign Secretary concluded a cross-Government review on ODA, focusing on seven key priorities including climate and biodiversity, covid and global health security, girls' education, science and research, open societies and conflict, and humanitarian issues.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP questions the impact of reducing UK aid budget at a time when developing countries face economic crises.

Question

What recent assessment has been made of the potential effect of reductions in the UK aid budget on poverty in developing countries?

Answer from Wendy Morton

The UK remains a global leader in international development and is committed to supporting the world's poorest people. Based on current GNI forecasts, we will spend over £10 billion of ODA in 2021. The Foreign Secretary has set out seven priorities for the UK's aid budget this year, all of which are in the overarching pursuit of poverty reduction.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific assessment on how reductions affect poverty was not provided

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Q2 Julie Marson
Economy Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP is concerned about the impact of aid budget cuts and seeks to discuss development bonds with a specific opportunity to arise.

Question

What steps is the FCDO taking to embed innovative finance solutions within its work to ensure that the UK's development approach is effective in combating poverty globally?

Answer from Wendy Morton

The FCDO is testing innovative financing tools that will pull private finance towards sustainable development. A pilot on development impact bonds is currently running, aiming to help 13,000 households in Kenya and Uganda set up income-generating businesses.

Answered
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Q3 Kate Osamor Labour (Co-op) Edmonton and Winchmore Hill
Economy Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raises concerns about the government's decision to cut the aid budget during a global pandemic, potentially harming vulnerable populations in developing countries.

Question

Can the Secretary of State guarantee that the co-operative sectors will not be damaged by these cuts at a time when they are vital for reducing poverty and generating wealth?

Answer from Wendy Morton

It is important to note the UK economy's contraction. The Foreign Secretary concluded a cross-Government review on ODA, focusing on seven key priorities including climate and biodiversity, covid and global health security, girls' education, science and research, open societies and conflict, humanitarian assistance, and trade.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The specific impact on co-operative sectors was not addressed

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