Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Hunger Crisis in East Africa

Tuesday 14 March 2023 · 6 questions

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Answered 2 Partly answered 4 Not answered 0

Key points

  • British development policy aims to help people remain safe and secure in East Africa.
  • The UK supports 8 million people in Ethiopia with humanitarian aid and promotes water conservation.
  • The UK works with international allies to address food supply disruptions caused by the Ukraine conflict.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
Foreign Affairs
Context

East Africa faces a severe humanitarian crisis with millions displaced due to drought and famine. The UK previously provided more aid during milder crises.

Question

What recent assessment has he made of the implications for his policies of the hunger crisis in East Africa? The £156 million of aid is five times less than six years ago for a milder crisis. With an exodus in east Africa, what more can the Government do to help communities stay at home?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

British development policy aims to help people remain safe and secure. The crisis requires international response, not just money but skill and expertise, with British leadership at the forefront.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments beyond general statements of intent were not provided

How: General Statements

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Q2 Nick Smith Lab Blaenau Gwent and Rhymney
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

Oxfam estimates one death every 36 seconds in east Africa due to food insecurity. Drought has displaced nearly 2 million people in Ethiopia and Somalia.

Question

The 'Integrated Review Refresh' failed to acknowledge the unfolding crisis. With drought and famine displacing millions, what further action can the Government take to support people on the ground?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The UK is supporting 8 million people in Ethiopia with humanitarian aid and promoting water conservation. In Sudan, £320,000 vulnerable people receive food support thanks to British assistance.

Answered
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Q3 Mike Kane Lab Wythenshawe and Sale East
Foreign Affairs
Context

The £156 million of aid is five times less than the amount provided six years ago for a milder crisis. There is an exodus of biblical proportions in east Africa.

Question

In light of the current humanitarian crisis, what more can be done to help communities remain at home?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

British development policy aims to keep people safe and secure. The horn of Africa crisis requires an international response, with British leadership providing skill and expertise.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific measures or commitments beyond general statements were not provided

How: General Statements

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Q4 James Duddridge Con
Ukraine Economy Brexit
Context

The war in Ukraine has disrupted food supplies, causing inflation and shortages. It's possible more people have died in east Africa due to grain price increases than within Ukraine.

Question

What assessment has the Department made of the impact of grain prices caused by grain not going into East Africa from Ukraine?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

Putin's invasion disrupted food supplies in the Sahel and east Africa, causing rising inflation and shortages. Britain is working with international allies to address these issues.

Answered
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Q5 Maggie Throup Con
Climate Foreign Affairs
Context

Students in Kenya described the impact of drought and failed crops on their lives and education due to climate change.

Question

What more can be done not just to address the current crisis but introduce long-term mitigation measures against climate change?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The UK discusses resilience and adaptation with Kenya, dealing with humanitarian issues, trade, investment, drought, and other concerns.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments beyond general statements were not provided

How: General Statements

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Q6 Lyn Brown Lab
Foreign Affairs
Context

48 million people face crisis levels of hunger in East Africa. The region has been taken out of the integrated review despite understanding that climate adaptation and real partnership are key.

Question

What actions will be taken to address the fundamental causes of this cycle of crises?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The hon. Lady is wrong about it being removed from the IR; Britain works with its allies across the international community to stop the crisis caused by failed rains.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific actions or commitments beyond general statements were not provided

How: Denial, General Statements

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