Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 8
8
Deferred
FCDO now better positioned to develop its global estate strategy with improved data and new resources.
Conclusion
FCDO told us it is now in a better position than it was previously to make progress in developing its estate strategy. It considers itself to have better data on its overseas estate than it had before, and has had some time to assess how to manage its new posts. Furthermore, FCDO told us that the new resources provided in the 2025 Spending Review give it an opportunity to “turbocharge” its development of a coherent global strategy for its estate, alongside its work on a workforce strategy that sets out the people they need and where they should be based.17 It also wants its strategy to reflect the needs of other government departments and its global partners.18 Estate in poor condition
Government Response Summary
The government response is entirely unrelated to the FCDO estate strategy, instead detailing actions regarding vaccine availability for animal diseases, including a five-year multi-stakeholder Action Plan to be published in late 2026 and an ongoing assessment of a Bovine TB vaccine application.
Government Response
Deferred
HM Government
Deferred
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. vaccine availability outlines a strategic framework for cross-sector action. VMD is continuing cross-sector engagement to identify ways to improve supply and enable future innovation (involving government, pharmaceutical manufacturers, vet groups and broader animal health community). A five-year multi-stakeholder Action Plan will be published late 2026. Defra will work with VMD as the plan is developed. In parallel, mitigations for urgent availability issues are being identified and actioned. Action has already been taken to secure animal vaccine supply to the UK. For example, in 2024, Defra worked with manufacturers, industry and the VMD to expedite emergency use of a Bluetongue 3 vaccine and subsequently to manage supply challenges. Defra supported the joint industry-government avian influenza vaccine taskforce (the Taskforce) to look at the emerging use of HPAI vaccines. A report published by the Taskforce on 24 July 2025 provisionally recommends a future species-specific vaccination strategy, and a trial in turkeys. The Taskforce has committed to publish a subsequent report in Summer 2026. In relation to vaccine development work for Bovine TB, an application for approval of the Cattle BCG vaccine was made in September 2025 and is being assessed by the Veterinary Medicines Directorate according to published timelines. APHA continues work towards generation of data for the bovine TB cattle vaccine skin test which involves a commercial contract and tender exercise.