Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

International Development White Paper

Tuesday 12 December 2023 · 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 0 Partly answered 1 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Fiona Bruce inquired about steps to implement the UK's commitments in the International Development White Paper published in November 2023.
  • The White Paper includes 217 commitments to be delivered through to 2030.
  • Valerie Vaz asked about the number of development diplomats to be trained and the associated costs.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Fiona Bruce Con
Foreign Affairs
Context

The White Paper on international development was published in November 2023, containing numerous commitments to be implemented.

Question

What steps his Department is taking to implement the UK's commitments in the White Paper on international development, published in November 2023. I have asked officials in the Foreign Office to work with colleagues across Government to implement the commitments and determine the order of priority.

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

The White Paper includes 217 commitments to be delivered through to 2030. I have asked officials in the Foreign Office to work with colleagues across Government to implement the commitments and determine the order of priority.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific steps and timeline not provided

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Q2 Fiona Bruce Con
Foreign Affairs Religion & Faith
Context

The White Paper on international development was published in November 2023, receiving calls for targeted support and humanitarian relief.

Question

I thank the Minister for that reply and for his leadership on the excellent White Paper, particularly because, in the run-up to its publication, he clearly listened to calls for more targeted support and humanitarian relief for those who are left behind on account of their religion or belief. The challenge now is to turn those innovative commitments into reality, which will require a revised approach to development programming. Will he meet me and others at a roundtable to discuss that?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

It is always a pleasure to meet my hon. Friend, who has an office next to mine in the Foreign Office. May I thank her for her comments about the publication of the White Paper? The way in which it has been received around the world demonstrates renewed energy and vigour. I hope that it shows Britain's reinvigorated leadership on those important matters, and, of course, value for money for our taxpayers.

Not addressed: Meeting for a roundtable not confirmed

How: It Is Always A Pleasure To Meet My Hon. Friend, May I Thank Her For Her Comments About The Publication Of The White Paper?

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Q3 Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall and Bloxwich
Context

The White Paper on international development includes commitments regarding the role of development diplomats.

Question

The White Paper also talks about development diplomats. How many will be trained and what will be the cost?

Answer from Andrew Mitchell

How many—

Not addressed: Number of diplomats and costs not specified

How: How Many—

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