Source · Select Committees · International Development Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Rejected
DFID/FCO merger and spending cuts damaged UK's SDG2 efforts and reputation.
Conclusion
The handling of the merger of DFID with the FCO, and that of the subsequent sudden and drastic cuts in programme spending, was very damaging for the UK’s efforts toward SDG2. Not only did it damage the UK’s reputation as a leader and innovator toward the goal of ending hunger and malnutrition but reduced the support to millions of people around the world who depended on these programmes. (Conclusion, Paragraph 40)
Government Response Summary
The government explicitly disagreed with the committee's conclusion, defending the decision to reduce ODA to fund increased defence spending as a necessary measure for national security, and stating they have learned lessons from previous reductions.
Government Response
Rejected
HM Government
Rejected
Government Response – Disagree 22. At this time of profound change, with conflicts overseas undermining security and prosperity at home, the Prime Minister has taken the decision to increase spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP from 2027, funded by reducing ODA to 0.3% of GNI and reinvesting it into defence. Protecting our national security is the first duty of any government. 23. We have learned lessons from previous reductions, including by gradually reducing the ODA budget to 0.3% of GNI in 2027 to help smooth the transition and by carefully considering the significant shifts that will be required to deliver reductions over the course of the Spending Review. 24. The decision to reduce the ODA budget was a necessary one that reflects the evolving nature of the threats we face, and the strategic shifts required to meet them, while maintaining economic stability. We therefore disagree with this recommendation. 25. We remain committed to returning to spending 0.7% of GNI on ODA when fiscal circumstances allow.