Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Official Development Assistance

Tuesday 21 January 2025 · 1 question

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

  • Emily Darlington raised concerns about the current state of global conflicts and the need for a long-term settlement for the ODA budget.
  • The Minister acknowledged the importance of aligning spending across departments for ODA and confirmed that a multi-year spending review is in progress.
  • Budgets for ODA will be confirmed in June according to the Minister's statement.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 Emily Darlington Lab Milton Keynes Central
Economy Taxation Foreign Affairs
Context

The government is reviewing ODA spending in light of fiscal constraints and the need to address global crises.

Question

I am concerned about wars around the world, more than at any time since World War Two. I have asked the Minister to review the fiscal formula that he and the Chancellor voted against when proposed by the previous government. Will they put the ODA budget on a long-term settlement and meet me to discuss how we can improve UK safety through the ODA budget?

Answer from Darren Jones (Chief Secretary to the Treasury)

The Minister thanked his hon. Friend for her expertise on the topic and acknowledged that aligning spending across Departments is crucial for ODA spending. He stated that the multi-year spending review was underway, and budgets would be confirmed in June. The fiscal tests relating to 0.7% of GNI on ODA will be reviewed annually.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not commit to reviewing the fiscal formula or establishing a long-term settlement for ODA spending.

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