Bond statement in response to the British Foreign Policy Group’s report “Running out of credit: The decline of the Foreign Office and the case for sustained funding”

On the day of the launch of the British Foreign Policy Group’s report: Running out of credit: The decline of the Foreign Office and the case for sustained funding, Claire Godfrey, Head of Policy and Campaigns at Bond, the UK network for NGOs said:

“In light of what is happening politically, this report is timely and supports the sector’s view that DFID and the FCO should both remain independent departments.

DFID is an influential and globally respected development actor and has a reputation built on providing high quality, poverty-focused aid, not promoting the UK’s short term political and commercial objectives. Retaining an independent DFID is important in ensuring that UK aid remains transparent and accountable. This is the only way of ensuring that aid helps the world’s poorest people.

While the FCO’s valuable diplomatic work would benefit from additional funding, any ODA spend which supports its efforts must adhere to OECD-DAC rules.”

ENDS
1. Running Out of Credit? The Decline of the Foreign Office and the Case for Sustained Funding was launched today by the British Foreign Policy Group.
2. Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development, including Save the Children, Oxfam and Christian Aid. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 400 civil society organisations and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice
3. For further information or interviews please contact Maryam Mohsin on 07555 336029 or [email protected]