Thank you for contacting me about UK spending on foreign aid, otherwise known as Official Development Assistance (ODA).
Ministers had to take many tough but necessary decisions in responding to the pandemic, this included reducing our ODA budget from 0.7 to 0.5 per cent of the UK's gross national income (GNI). Nevertheless, I am encouraged that, spending 0.5 per cent, the UK's ODA commitment remains considerably higher than the OEDC average, which stood at 0.33 per cent in 2021/22. Likewise, spending just under £11.5 billion in 2021/22 on our ODA priorities, the UK was the fourth largest national ODA donor in absolute terms in 2021/22.
I have been assured that the UK will return to spending 0.7 per cent on ODA as soon as the fiscal situation allows. The Prime Minister, in his previous role as Chancellor, provided a clear measure for this: (1) when we are not borrowing to support day-to-day spending; and (2) when underlying debt is falling. I think this is the most economically prudent way in which to return to satisfying the 0.7 per cent target in light of the prevailing circumstances.
I am glad that the Government, recognising the strength of feeling felt by many Members across the House on this matter – and even though it was not necessarily obliged to do so by the International Development (Official Development Assistance Target) Act 2015 – last year gave Parliament a meaningful vote on its decision. Parliament, recognising the need to manage the public finances responsibly and maintain strong investment in domestic public services in places like Derby North, voted to approve the Government’s plans by a handsome margin.
I appreciate your renewed concern for ODA cut in light of recent events, but I remain persuaded by the necessity of this measure. On Ukraine, I would note that the UK has committed £400m in ODA in response to the crisis, second only to the US. This is in addition to a broad package of non-ODA support.
Again, the impact of the global pandemic on the UK economy forced the Government to take tough decisions. Despite this, I would highlight that the FCDO still stepped up its humanitarian funding In exceptional crisis situations in the 2021-22 financial year. Nevertheless, I will ensure that Ministers are aware of the points you have raised.
Thank you again for taking the time to contact me.