Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 3
3
Not Addressed
Department failed to learn from cuts to peacebuilding programming, risking escalating conflict.
Conclusion
The Department has failed to learn the lessons from previous cuts to stabilisation, peacebuilding and deconfliction programming, which likely contributed to the escalation of conflict in Sudan going unchallenged. We are concerned that the recent cuts to the Integrated Security Fund will lead to escalating conflict, with unpredictable ramifications for the UK both at home and abroad. (Conclusion, Paragraph 40)
Government Response Summary
The government justifies the decision to reduce the ODA budget to 0.3% of GNI, stating plans to return to 0.7% when fiscal circumstances allow, but does not address the committee's concern about a failure to learn lessons from previous cuts or the impact on conflict escalation.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
9. The alleviation of poverty is the primary purpose of all FCDO Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes. 10. In light of pressing security challenges, the government has made the necessary decision to reduce the ODA budget to the equivalent of 0.3% of Gross National Income (GNI) by 2027. 11. We intend to return to spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA when fiscal circumstances allow and will continue to monitor future forecasts closely. 12. We are working through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used from 2026/27 to 2028/29, informed by internal and external consultation and an impact assessment. We plan to publish indicative allocations for the next three years in the coming months. (Conclusion 3, Paragraph 40) The Department has failed to learn the lessons from previous cuts to stabilisation, peacebuilding and deconfliction programming, which likely contributed to the escalation of conflict in Sudan going unchallenged. We are concerned that the recent cuts to the Integrated Security Fund will lead to escalating conflict, with unpredictable ramifications for the UK both at home and abroad.