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Development Aid

Asked by Wendy MortonConservativeForeign, Commonwealth and Development OfficeTabled Answered 18 February 2025UIN 28566

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to remove (a) help and (b) assistance from (i) internal and (ii) external communications and guidance with respect to UK Official Development Assistance.

Answered by Anneliese Dodds

The Foreign Secretary has put partnerships, not paternalism, at the centre of the UK's development relationships. I have been leading the focus on modern, mutually beneficial bilateral partnerships. This new model has been clearly communicated to FCDO officials. Partnership does not mean telling others we have the answers; the UK can act as a champion, seeking to bridge the gap between the Global North and Global South. As FCDO officials implement this modern approach to development, they will be treating other countries as equals, as part of resetting the UK's relationship with the Global South.

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