Inclusive consultation process urgently needed to ensure Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is poverty focused

Responding to the Secretary of State for International Development providing evidence to the International Development Select Committee on the UK’s response to coronavirus and the merger of the FCO and DFID, Bond CEO Stephanie Draper said:

“We remain to be convinced there is a well-thought-out, inclusive process to ensure the new department will adhere to rules that aim to ensure that aid reaches the world’s poorest and most vulnerable people. The NGO sector was not consulted prior to the DFID and FCO merger.

Making good on that decision to merge will need meaningful engagement with a range of stakeholders, including civil society, alongside parliamentary and independent scrutiny, as well as cabinet-level and National Security Council level representation.

It was also concerning to hear the Secretary of State say that some life-saving programmes, many being delivered in response to COVID-19, may need to be cut this year. We understand that GNI will fall but would urge her to rethink this strategy and instead ensure that cuts in ODA do not target those who need it the most and instead fall in areas where ODA has been proven to be less effective.”

ENDS

Notes to editor

On the 7th July 2020, The Secretary of State for International Development was examined on the UK’s response to coronavirus and the merger of the FCO and DFID. The evidence session can be watched here: https://parliamentlive.tv/event/index/cc905f27-e844-4f2c-ba99-f0401b9a3c42
For further information or interviews please contact Maryam Mohsin on 07555 336029 or [email protected]