UK and Sub-Saharan Africa inquiry begins with first evidence session
17 January 2020
The House of Lords International Relations and Defence Committee begins its inquiry into Sub-Saharan Africa on 22 January.
In this first oral evidence session of the inquiry, the Committee will explore how the UK's colonial history affects perceptions of Sub-Saharan Africa and the effect this has on policies toward the region.
- Parliament TV: The UK and Sub-Saharan Africa
- Inquiry: The UK and Sub-Saharan Africa - peace, prosperity and development co-operation
- International Relations and Defence Committee
Witnesses
Wednesday 22 January in Committee Room 1, Palace of Westminster
At 10.10am
- The Rt Hon David Lammy MP, Member of Parliament for Tottenham
- The Rt Hon Andrew Mitchell MP, Member of Parliament for Sutton Coldfield, Secretary of State for International Development (2010-2012)
Background
The Committee is exploring the UK's relationship with Sub-Saharan Africa, focusing on how the UK can work with African nations towards peace and prosperity and how to use development co-operation to support these objectives. The inquiry comes as the UK seeks to redefine its international role post-Brexit and develop new relationships with other nations.
Possible questions
- Have UK efforts to go ‘beyond aid' in its engagement with African nations been successful?
- To what extent does racism affect the way Sub-Saharan Africa is viewed in the UK? How does this impact on Government policies toward the region?
- Should the work of the Department for International Development in Sub-Saharan Africa be better coordinated with that of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office? Do the departments work well together?
- How can Sub-Saharan African diaspora communities be engaged in the development of Government policy for the region?
- How does the UK's visa and immigration policy affect its influence and soft power in the region?