Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Supporting Democracies

Tuesday 13 December 2022 · 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

  • Richard Graham inquired about the decline of global democracy and proposed collaboration between the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and the FCDO to establish a centre of expertise.
  • The Minister confirmed an intention to meet with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and assured no reduction in their funding for the current year.
  • Valerie Vaz questioned the potential merits of establishing an FCDO centre of expertise to support democracies worldwide, to which the Minister responded that officials have already assessed the merits and plan to establish such a centre, subject to funding availability.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Richard Graham Con
Democracy & Elections
Context

The question follows an ongoing discussion about the decline in democracy globally, despite its importance for international stability. Richard Graham highlights the Westminster Foundation for Democracy's 30-year experience and their proposal to assist FCDO in building a democracy strategy.

Question

I am concerned that global democracy is declining overall, although not everywhere. The Westminster Foundation for Democracy has proposed helping FCDO establish a centre of expertise. Will you meet with them soon to discuss how we can advance these proposals?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

I will certainly meet with the Westminster Foundation for Democracy and commend them on 30 years of advancing democracy around the world, despite budget pressures. We will not reduce their funding this year.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Meeting WFD to discuss proposals specifically

How: Commends Work, No Reduction In Funding

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Q2 Richard Graham Con
Democracy & Elections
Context

NATO has established a centre focused on enhancing democratic resilience. Valerie Vaz is concerned about potential duplication of efforts or undermining this work.

Question

Is the Minister aware that NATO has set up such a centre and will he ensure that Government initiatives do not undermine their work?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Yes, I am aware of NATO's centre for democratic resilience. We aim to enhance our work in a seamless and joined-up approach.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific commitment to avoid duplication or undermining

How: Enhance And Emphasise

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Q3 Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall and Bloxwich
Democracy & Elections Foreign Affairs
Context

The initial question about establishing an FCDO centre to support democracies was answered affirmatively, with officials having assessed the merits and intent to proceed if funding permits.

Question

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of establishing an FCDO centre of expertise to help support democracies across the world.

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Officials have already assessed the merits and, funding permitting, we intend to establish an FCDO centre of expertise for democratic governance.

Answered
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