Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Paragraph: 28
Reorganising departments is not easy.
Conclusion
Reorganising departments is not easy. In our view, the decision to merge the FCO and DFID into a new international department, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), is flawed on a number of grounds: • The decision was taken whilst the Integrated Review was paused, in its early stages, and far from ready to reach any decisions about future systems and structures. • Linked to the status of the Integrated Review, there appears to have been no structured consultation of the aid sector, either in the UK or internationally, nor other obvious stakeholders to inform the decision to merge DFID into the FCO. • It is also perplexing that the decision to merge DFID into the FCO was taken in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision puts the international response to COVID-19 in jeopardy at a time when global cooperation is needed. It is the world’s poorest and most vulnerable who are likely to pay the greatest price. • Little, if any, detail has been provided about the rationale for the decision or its timing, the options considered, likely costs and specific benefits, implementation plans for the reorganisation and how its success will be measured, the new department’s aims and objectives, and how it will tackle global challenges beyond aid.
Paragraph Reference:
28
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
Both the Integrated Review and the merger of FCO and DFID are evidence of the Prime Minister’s commitment to a unified British foreign policy that will maximise our influence around the world. A great deal of work had been undertaken in the early stages of the IR, before it was paused to respond to Covid-19. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office will allow us to maximise the UK’s influence around the world and safeguard British interests and values overseas. It was right to take the decision to create the FCDO when we did in order that the Integrated Review could be used to shape the objectives of the new department. As with any government change of this nature, the announcement came first to Parliament. We recognise the merger will affect our partners and are committed to ongoing regular and timely engagement with them as the FCDO continues to take shape. We will continue our external engagement with different partners, including bilateral and multilateral donors and Host Governments via our Diplomatic network, as well as NGOs, UK civil society and scrutiny bodies. The creation of the FCDO comes at a critical time year for the UK as we respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, take on the G7 Presidency, and host both the crucial COP26 climate summit and the Secretary General’s visit marking the UN’s 75th anniversary. COVID-19 has demonstrated why we need a unified position overseas, to support the most vulnerable countries exposed to the virus; to work with international partners in pursuit of a vaccine; to return stranded British citizens from abroad; and to keep vital international supply chains open. The Foreign Secretary stated in Parliament on 8 September, “addressing the poverty of the most poor, least developing countries remains central to our foreign policy”. Merging DFID and the FCO allows the UK to bring together its international effort and expertise to maximise our influence and be in the best position to make the most of these opportunities for the benefit of all, including the poorest and most vulnerable.