Commons Sense

House of Commons · Ministers' Questions

Official Development Assistance: Infectious Diseases

Tuesday 1 April 2025 · 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 3 Not answered 0

Key points

  • Ministerial record shows concerns over policy changes affecting immunisation programmes.
  • UK's role in creating Gavi highlighted as a proud achievement in global health.
  • Questions raised about timing and specifics of ODA reductions and their impacts.

Topics (select to filter)

Questions & Answers

Q1 David Davis Con Goole and Pocklington
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP references the planned reductions to ODA budget, citing a significant negative impact on immunisation efforts.

Question

I agree with the Minister on what he just said, but Gavi says that the changing policy will mean that 37.9 million fewer children will be immunised, which means that over five years, 600,000 will die. How on earth does he live with himself with that policy?

Answer from Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

With the greatest of respect, the right hon. Gentleman will know my record on these important issues, having advocated for them over many years in this place and outside. I do not accept his characterisation. Decisions have not yet been taken; they are being taken as part of the spending review. He will know that the UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi. We have committed £1.65 billion in the current strategic period up to 2025 and that will make an important impact on children’s lives around the world.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not address how they justify the policy despite its severe consequences, sticking instead to highlighting previous support for similar causes.

How: Does Not Accept Characterisation, Decisions Being Taken As Part Of Spending Review

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Q2 Emily Darlington Lab Milton Keynes Central
NHS Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP highlights the UK's historical and current contributions to Gavi, emphasizing its positive impact on global health.

Question

Gavi was created very much with the UK as a driving force. It is one of the proudest achievements of the previous Labour Government. It has immunised almost 2 billion people in the world, and not only is it saving lives but it is important for jobs and work here in the UK in our fantastic life sciences sector. Will the Minister give a commitment that we will continue to be a leading force in Gavi at the replenishment in June?

Answer from Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Foreign Secretary has been discussing these important issues with the Health and Social Care Secretary. My hon. Friend is right to point out the important role of Gavi, as well as our role in that. The decisions will be set out in due course, but I hear what she and, indeed, other hon. and right hon. Members are saying on this important issue.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide a direct commitment to maintain support for Gavi, instead stating that decisions would be made in due course.

How: Decisions Will Be Set Out In Due Course, Hearing What Members Are Saying

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Q3 Wendy Morton Con Aldridge-Brownhills
Foreign Affairs
Context

The MP raises concerns about the uncertainty faced by organisations tackling infectious diseases due to planned cuts in ODA.

Question

It is very clear from Ministers’ answers that we still have no indication about which programmes and where will be affected by the planned reductions to ODA and from when exactly the cuts will be effective. We are told to wait for the spending review, but many organisations, including those tackling infectious diseases, are left to face uncertainty and to work at risk. Will the Minister tell us what instructions have been issued to his Department’s humanitarian aid programmes about what they are expected to do between now and the spending review in June?

Answer from Stephen Doughty (Minister of State, Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

We clearly have difficult decisions to make, but the FCDO is not pausing all ODA programming and not creating a cliff edge in this year. We are focusing on ensuring that every pound will be spent in the most impactful way in the new context. That is a very difficult decision, as the Prime Minister, the Foreign Secretary and I have set out. We will set out the details in due course, but we are listening closely to Members in this House and, indeed, to the many partners and stakeholders we work with on these important issues.

Partly answered

Not addressed: The Minister did not provide specific instructions issued for humanitarian aid programmes, instead focusing on general statements about decision-making process.

How: Not Pausing All Oda Programming, Focusing On Impactful Spending

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