Official Development Assistance Budget 2021-03-02
2021-03-02
TAGS
Response quality
Questions & Answers
Q1
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the potential impact of aid budget cuts on poverty in developing countries, particularly in the global south.
What recent assessment has been made of the effect of reductions in the official development assistance budget on poverty in the global south?
The Government remain firmly committed to helping the world's poorest people. Our aid budget will continue to serve the primary aim of reducing poverty in developing countries, including in the global south.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a specific assessment or analysis of how reductions impact poverty
Response accuracy
Q2
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticized the government for slashing life-saving aid during a pandemic, specifically mentioning Yemen where £87 million was pledged recently.
Will the Minister press the Chancellor to reverse his decision on cutting the aid budget and rebuild Britain's position as a supportive nation by using this week's Budget?
I am sorry the hon. Gentleman thinks that £10 billion is a small sum of money. He mentions Yemen; we should be proud that, since the start of that conflict, we have contributed £1 billion, and at the pledging conference yesterday, a further £87 million.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address reversing the decision or rebuilding Britain's position as supportive nation
Response accuracy
Q3
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the lack of a timetable for aid budget cuts, expressing concern about project outcomes and planning.
Does the Minister agree that delaying the implementation of aid budget cuts will be detrimental to project outcomes, suggesting instead an immediate reversal?
I just do not recognise the timescale that the hon. Member speaks of. We work with partners on an ongoing basis on the delivery of programmes, and we will continue to do so.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address detrimental effects or immediate reversal suggestion
Response accuracy
Q4
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP questioned the morality of cutting aid by 60% during a humanitarian crisis in Yemen, citing UN Secretary-General's concerns.
Is it not our duty to lead on Yemen aid and is reducing aid by 60% at a time of acute humanitarian crisis a terrible example as suggested by the UN Secretary-General?
Another person who does not think that £1 billion is a lot of money—[Interruption.] Well, £87 million is a lot of money. We are doing exactly what the hon. Gentleman is saying and we are standing up.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not address duty to lead or moral concerns about aid cuts
Response accuracy
Q5
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP criticized the Government for reneging on the legal commitment to spend 0.7% of GNI on aid, asking if they would refuse cuts and resign.
Will the Foreign Secretary refuse to implement cuts before legislation is passed and will he resign if breaking the law?
As the Foreign Secretary said earlier, we will look carefully at what is required by law, but the law envisages that 0.7% target potentially not being met in any given year, in view of the specific fiscal and economic circumstances.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide a clear stance on refusing cuts or potential resignation
Response accuracy
Q6
Partial Answer
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Context
The MP expressed shame over halving aid contributions to Yemen, questioning the consultation process with NGOs and partners.
What consultation has the Minister had with non-governmental organisations, recipients, and partners in the global south regarding changes to UK aid spending?
The process the hon. Lady mentions regarding the decisions on publication has not yet been met. Our focus has been on looking at country plans and the programmes centrally, and on doing that through countries.
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Assessment & feedback
Did not provide specific details of consultations or timeline for publishing country allocations
Response accuracy