Commons Sense

House of Commons · Westminster Hall

Westminster Foundation for Democracy: Funding

02 March 2022 · 8 other contributors · 8,059 words

Opened by Richard Graham Con Gloucester

Responding minister: Vicky Ford

Democracy & ElectionsForeign Affairs

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

Read the full transcript on Parliament.uk

At a glance

Richard Graham raised concerns about westminster foundation for democracy: funding in Westminster Hall. A government minister responded.

Key points

  • The MP is concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the funding of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, which plays a distinguished role in representing British values globally.
  • The MP highlights the importance of democracy and mentions specific challenges such as delays in confirming funding for the WFD's projects that support open societies.
  • The lead MP asks the government to provide certainty and adequate funding to ensure the continued operation of the WFD's programmes, including those focused on reducing corruption and promoting women into political leadership positions.

Key requests to Government

The lead MP asks that the government provide certainty and adequate funding to ensure the continued operation of the WFD's programmes, including those focused on reducing corruption, improving parliamentary structures, and promoting women into political leadership positions. He also requests a reaffirmation of support from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) and other colleagues.

How the debate unfolded

MPs spoke in turn to share their views and ask questions. Here's what each person said.

Opened the debate

Richard Graham Con Gloucester

The MP is concerned about the uncertainty surrounding the funding of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), a small organisation that has played a distinguished role in representing British values on a global stage. He highlights the importance of democracy and the current recession it faces, particularly among young people who might view other governance models as more efficient. The MP also mentions specific challenges such as delays in confirming funding for the WFD's projects, which are crucial in supporting open societies around the world.

Other contributors (8)
  • Anne McLaughlin SNP Glasgow Cathcart

    She shared her experience as a WFD consultant in the Gambia and Nepal, emphasizing the importance of supporting democracies globally. She highlighted that despite recent budget cuts, the WFD has supported over 600 women parliamentarians worldwide. McLaughlin urged the government to reconsider funding cuts due to their minimal impact on overall finances.

  • Chris Law SNP Dundee Central

    Chris Law highlighted the decline in global democracy, with only 20% of the world's population living in free countries. He criticized the UK Government's decision to cut funding for the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), which supports pro-democracy political parties and developing democratic processes. Law emphasized that WFD programmes were curtailed or cancelled due to a 29% funding cut during the pandemic, impacting staff and efforts to promote democracy.

  • Christine Jardine Lib Dem Edinburgh West

    Jardine, a WFD governor, reflected on the foundation's establishment 30 years ago and its importance in supporting nascent democracies. She emphasized the need to reconsider funding cuts given the current global political climate and threats to democracy.

  • Fabian Hamilton Lab Leeds North East

    The MP highlighted the importance of funding for the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, emphasizing its role in supporting democracy and democratic institutions in countries such as Ukraine. He noted the WFD's efforts to prevent election rigging and promote transparency, accountability, and freedom across eastern Europe.

  • Graham Stuart Con Beverley and Holderness

    My hon. Friend makes a powerful case for WFD's work and appeals to the Minister to ensure that WFD is not allowed to languish, requesting full personal support from her.

  • Philip Dunne Con West Worcestershire

    Apologises for arriving late but appreciates the hon. Friend's work in securing this debate and acknowledges WFD's important role in promoting democracy, especially during challenging times like those in Kyiv.

  • Theo Clarke Con Romford

    He notes the hon. Friend's concerns about delays in funding from the Foreign Office and supports the work of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, highlighting its training workshop in Ghana.

  • Valerie Vaz Lab Walsall and Bloxwich

    Paid tribute to the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD) for its cross-party, cross-Parliament work around the world. Noted a 29% funding cut and lack of budget certainty for 2021-22, highlighting WFD's success in empowering women and youth in Montenegro despite the pandemic. Urged immediate commitment to funding to support democracy promotion.

Government Response

Vicky Ford

As ever, it is a pleasure to serve under your chairmanship, Dr Huq. I am grateful to my hon. Friend the Member for Gloucester (Richard Graham) for securing this debate and to the Members who have spoken. I join them in their praise of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy. This debate has demonstrated that across the House and the nation we share many fundamental values and beliefs. We believe in democracy, free speech, fair treatment and inclusion, but those values are under attack...Freedom of expression and an independent media are essential. The fundamental rights to freedom of expression; to read, discuss and debate issues freely; and to challenge news agendas and make informed political decisions are precious, but today's ordinary Russians do not even have that...Far beyond Russia and Belarus, we are seeing concerted efforts to silence dissent and stifle freedom, and covid has brought that into even sharper focus. Regimes have used the crisis to restrict civil liberties and to entrench repressive measures...That is why the Foreign Secretary agreed to increase the grant in aid by 25%, from £5.1 million this financial year to £6.5 million per annum over the next three years...Our arm's length bodies, including the Westminster Foundation for Democracy, are very important to supporting our foreign policy, diplomatic engagements and key priorities...Despite funding challenges, together with partner countries all around the world, the foundation has continued to deliver impactful programmes that support democracy, including programmes that support the representation of women, as my right hon. Friend the Member for Basingstoke (Mrs Miller) knows intimately, and programmes that support young people, people with disabilities and LGBT+ people in the democratic process in more than 20 countries...On behalf of Her Majesty's Government, the foundation also delivers UK observers to election observation missions organised by the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe. Following an invitation from the Hungarian authorities, the foundation will send election observers to Hungary on 3 April 2022...The Westminster Foundation for Democracy has a strong record on the issue of women's political leadership...The foundation is an important part of our soft power network, alongside the British Council, the Great Britain-China Centre, the BBC, Wilton Park and our universities. As the noble Lord Ahmad pointed out in the other place the other day, these institutions play an important role in our democratic reach, as we build a powerful ideological alternative...Yes, I am wearing the colours of the flag of Ukraine, because right now in Ukraine, missiles and guns are killing innocent people, women and children, and people who just want to live in peace in their own country. That brings into sharp relief the importance of tackling autocracy, strengthening democracy and standing up for freedom.

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