Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

ECHO 2 Programme

Tuesday 26 November 2024 · 2 questions

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

At a glance

Answered 0 Partly answered 2 Not answered 0

Key points

  • The ECHO 2 telephone contract for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is 79% completed.
  • Ministers and officials are working to fix procurement mistakes made by the previous Government.
  • The programme is on track for completion in January 2025.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Edward Morello Lib Dem West Dorset
Context

The ECHO 2 telephone contract for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is crucial for a new global communications network.

Question

What recent steps his Department has taken to deliver the ECHO 2 programme. The ECHO 2 programme is crucial to delivering the new global communications network for the FCDO. The Minister mentioned that it is due for completion in January 2025, but will it remain within budget? What are the plans to ensure that it delivers its full technical and financial benefits? Does the Minister think that any additional support or adjustments will be needed to ensure its delivery?

Answer from Catherine West

The ECHO 2 telephone contract for telephones in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is 79% completed, but is on track for completion in January 2025. Ministers and officials have been working day and night to fix the procurement mistakes of the previous Government. With increased scrutiny and hard-working Ministers and officials, we will reach all targets. I will write to the hon. Gentleman with more details on his specific question.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific financial commitments or adjustments needed for budget adherence and full benefits delivery were not addressed

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Q2 Edward Morello Lib Dem West Dorset
Context

The ECHO 2 telephone contract for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is crucial for a new global communications network.

Question

What recent steps his Department has taken to deliver the ECHO 2 programme. The ECHO 2 programme is crucial to delivering the new global communications network for the FCDO. The Minister mentioned that it is due for completion in January 2025, but will it remain within budget? What are the plans to ensure that it delivers its full technical and financial benefits? Does the Minister think that any additional support or adjustments will be needed to ensure its delivery?

Answer from Catherine West

The ECHO 2 telephone contract for telephones in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is 79% completed, but is on track for completion in January 2025. Ministers and officials have been working day and night to fix the procurement mistakes of the previous Government. With increased scrutiny and hard-working Ministers and officials, we will reach all targets. I will write to the hon. Gentleman with more details on his specific question.

Partly answered

Not addressed: Specific financial commitments or adjustments needed for budget adherence and full benefits delivery were not addressed

Was this summary accurate? Tell us

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

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