Integrated Review laden with contradictions - Chair makes statement on the publication of the Government’s Integrated Review

“The Integrated Review is laden with contradictions. The Government explains that Africa will increasingly be left behind, that with a growing population Africa will be hit hardest with the impacts of climate change, poverty and conflict. Yet the UK’s international priorities are gearing towards the Indo-Pacific with presumably less development spend going to Africa. Setting a commitment to meet the 17 Sustainable Development Goals by 2030 is admirable, but excluding extreme poverty as a strategic objective for aid is bizarre.

“Delay after delay with the publication of the Integrated Review should have afforded the Government more time to consult stakeholders. The changes to the development sector last year - the merging of DFID and the FCO, the drastic aid cuts – should have been properly explored within the scope of the Integrated Review rather than rushed through. We cannot forget that these severe cuts are against a backdrop of increasing levels of violence, hospitals at breaking point, inequality and gender-based violence rising in some of the world’s poorest countries.

“With little more than a passing mention of development, the Integrated Review has done little to alleviate fears that this is the beginning of the end for the UK’s development superpower status. The Integrated Review appears to be more centred towards rubbing shoulders with trading partners than creating a level playing field for the global community to prosper.”

Further information

• About Parliament: Select committees
• International Development Committee

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