Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

UK Aid: Effect of Reductions

Tuesday 20 April 2021 · 2 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • UK remains one of the largest donors in the G7 and worldwide
  • UK donated 10 billion in ODA despite economic contraction
  • UK aid budget was cut by approximately 4 billion this year

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Steven Bonnar
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK has reduced its aid budget, leading to concerns about the impact on humanitarian efforts abroad. Previous statements highlight a decrease of £4 billion this year following a cut of £2.9 billion last year.

Question

What assessment has been made of the potential effect of reductions in the UK aid budget on the UK's humanitarian work overseas? The pandemic should have prompted more robust investment and prioritisation to meet sustainable development goals, yet cuts have been implemented instead, turning their back on the world's poorest. Have any impact assessments been carried out on how these cuts will affect those in conflict zones?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK remains one of the largest donating countries in the G7 and indeed the world. We are proud to donate £10 billion in ODA despite economic contraction.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Impact assessments on how cuts affect those in conflict zones were not addressed.

How: We Remain One Of The Largest Donors, Proud Of Our Contribution

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email
Q2 Steven Bonnar
Foreign Affairs
Context

The UK has reduced its aid budget, leading to concerns about the impact on humanitarian efforts abroad. Previous statements highlight a decrease of £4 billion this year following a cut of £2.9 billion last year.

Question

While every other G7 member state increased aid during the pandemic, the UK chose to cut it by approximately £4 billion this year and £2.9 billion last year. This should have been an opportunity for more robust investment towards sustainable development goals but instead, cuts were made despite them turning their back on the world's poorest. Have any impact assessments been carried out on how these cuts will affect those in conflict zones?

Answer from James Cleverly

The UK remains one of the largest donating countries in the G7 and indeed the world. We are proud to donate £10 billion in ODA despite economic contraction.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Impact assessments on how cuts affect those in conflict zones were not addressed.

How: We Remain One Of The Largest Donors, Proud Of Our Contribution

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

How accurate was this summary? (1 = poor, 5 = spot on)

Get updates like this by email