Written questions by Morton.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what (a) accountability and (b) reporting arrangements his Department has put in place to monitor progress against the Global Nutrition Integration Compact.

The Global Compact on Nutrition Integration relies on existing accountability and reporting mechanisms with regards to the integration commitments of its members, notably the Global Nutrition Report's (GNR) Nutrition Accountability Framework (NAF). Accountability for nutrition integration therefore rests with each individual organisation. Compact members, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), are responsible for reporting progress against their commitments listed in the NAF, with the GNR monitoring overall progress.In addition, FCDO reports information on nutrition integration across its programmes in the annual Nutrition Accountability Report, this is published on the GNR website.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the launch of the Global Compact on Nutrition Integration at Nutrition For Growth in Paris, what steps his Department is taking to integrate nutrition objectives into its policies.

The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) continues to integrate nutrition objectives across its international development policies and programming. This includes application of the OECD Development Assistance Committee Nutrition Policy Marker and the provision of advice and assistance to colleagues across The FCDO's network to strengthen our capability to integrate nutrition in our Official Development Assistance programmes. Progress is assessed by independent experts and published in the FCDO's annual Nutrition Accountability Report. The FCDO will publish the next iteration of the report around June 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what UK aid programmes are operating in Ethiopia; and what assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes to Official Development Assistance on these programmes.

The UK supports eight development programmes in Ethiopia. These programmes provide support focussed on health, nutrition, climate resilient water and sanitation services, emergency cash and education. Specific programmes include our humanitarian programme "Ethiopia: Crises 2 Resilience" (EC2R), development programmes such as 'Strengthening Climate Resilient Systems for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene Services in Ethiopia (SCRS-WaSH), and governance programmes including our Human Rights and Peacebuilding Programme (HARP). Other global and regional Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office programmes also have a footprint in Ethiopia. Decisions on the impact of changes to the Official Development Assistance budget will be determined as part of the ongoing Spending Review.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with Cabinet colleagues on the provision of funding for (a) science and (b) evidence-based solutions to support work on nutrition.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) applies a science and evidence-based approach to ensure that our policy and programming maximise value for money and impact. This includes our work on nutrition. This approach also underpins cabinet ministerial discussions and decisions on how to allocate funding for nutrition in the context of the ongoing Spending Review. Nutrition is included in discussions on global health policy and programmes with other government departments. The FCDO will be able to share further details once the Spending Review is concluded.

Communities and Local Government, how many meetings her Department had with Unite between 11 March 2025 and when she decided to use the armed forces to help with waste collection in Birmingham.

The Secretary of State has engaged with Unite and Birmingham City Council to encourage them to get back around the negotiating table. She has not met with ACAS and the Department has not met with Unite. Any talks to settle the equal pay dispute are solely between the employer (Birmingham City Council) and trade union (Unite). The decision to allow a small number of military personnel to provide office based operational planning expertise for a short, time limited period to support the council with making sure its response to the ongoing public health risk is as swift as possible was taken in the first week of the major incident, and they were able to add value in that time which was appreciated by the council and the Department.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department will be taking to integrate improved nutrition outcomes in the (a) health, (b) agriculture and (c) humanitarian sectors.

The Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office (FCDO) continues to implement its Nutrition for Growth (N4G) commitment to integrate nutrition across its programme portfolio, including in health, agriculture, and humanitarian sectors. This includes measures to further increase the proportion of programmes that include nutrition objectives, related activities and indicators: 1) application of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Nutrition Policy Marker (NPM), 2) internal assurance processes to ensure adoption and accurate application of the NPM, and 3) the provision of advice and assistance to colleagues to integrate nutrition objectives. Health, agriculture, and humanitarian sectors have been key areas where nutrition advice has been given.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of proposed changes to the level of funding for official development assistance on the potential implementation of recommendations within the review of international development undertaken by Baroness Minouche Shafik.

The review recommendations are now being considered as part of the Foreign Secretary's wider work to reform the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including how the FCDO approaches the reduction in the Official Development Assistance budget.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of using forecasts of Gross National Income to determine future levels of official development assistance on actual future levels of official development assistance.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) budgets from 2025/26 onwards are set in cash terms based on Gross National Income (GNI) forecasts. This change means that the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office's ODA budgets will no longer be exposed to the volatility of ODA spending by other departments, including asylum costs.As the Minister of State for International Development set out in her 27 March letter to the International Development Committee, this is a significant and positive change to the way the FCDO manages its ODA budget, increasing the predictability of our budgets and allowing us to plan with more certainty.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to support community-driven development initiatives in overseas aid projects.

Partnering with local actors with roots in their communities is crucial to deliver aid that is culturally relevant, contextually appropriate, and impactful. Local partners offer insights into communities' culture and needs and understand local coordination structures and challenges. The evidence shows that local organisations are particularly effective at driving social accountability and enhancing public services for marginalised groups, including women and girls. By focusing on capacity building, acting as conveners to amplify local voices, and investing in the long-term sustainability of local partners, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and its delivery partners, such as international non-governmental organisations, can provide substantial value beyond mere financial support.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using UK microbiology expertise to build capacity in Ukraine for countering antimicrobial resistance.

In February, the Defence Secretary announced that we would double our funding to £40 million for Project Renovator, which draws on the UK's leading defence medical expertise to expand Ukraine's military rehabilitation and medical services. Through a partnership with the Unbroken Rehabilitation Centre, Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust have launched an infection control programme which aims to strengthen capacity and capability of medical personnel in both the UK and Ukraine to manage the healthcare burden created by anti-microbial resistance.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of using the International Finance Facility for immunisation on delivering development projects.

The UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. We have committed £1.65 billion to the current strategic period covering 2021-2025, including £590 million through the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm). The UK is working to ensure a successful replenishment of Gavi's 2026-2030 programme through our diplomatic and development network. Following the difficult decision to reduce UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5 per cent of GNI to 0.3 per cent by 2027 we are taking a rigorous approach to ensure all ODA delivers value for money and we are considering all financial instruments available. Announcements on individual investments will be made following the completion of the Spending Review process.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether he plans to make a financial commitment for Gavi’s 8th replenishment on 25 June 2025.

The UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. We have committed £1.65 billion to the current strategic period covering 2021-2025. Following the difficult decision to reduce UK Official Development Assistance (ODA) from 0.5 per cent of Gross National Income to 0.3 per cent by 2027 we are taking a rigorous approach to ensure all ODA delivers value for money. Announcements on individual investments will be made following the completion of the Spending Review process.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of conflict moving from Sudan to South Sudan on stability in that region.

The Sudan conflict continues to pose increased risks to South Sudan and the wider region which we are closely monitoring. We will support regional peace and mediation efforts undertaken by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development, the UN and the African Union in both countries.South Sudan is majorly impacted by the conflict in Sudan with the influx of refugees exacerbating an already challenging humanitarian context. We welcome South Sudan's generosity in hosting significant numbers of refugees. The UK's humanitarian support of £69 million to South Sudan is helping to assist those who have fled violence from Sudan.

What preparations he is making for the potential impact of conflict abroad on the NHS.

The Department of Health and Social Care works closely with NHS England and the Ministry of Defence to understand the impacts of international conflict on domestic healthcare delivery. This includes exercising existing plans such as the Reception Arrangements for Ministry of Defence Patients, which supports the return of injured personnel for treatment by the National Health Service. We also actively monitor the wider impacts of conflicts including emerging threats to medical supply resilience. We work in partnership with industry and the wider health system to support robust planning to mitigate these risks. The Department of Health and Social Care has established processes in place to manage disruption to the NHS.The Department also provides medical aid to conflict-affected areas to reduce the impact of humanitarian crises in the region and beyond. For example, in 2023 the Department assisted with coordinating aid for displaced civilians in Gaza. Essential supplies included 76,800 surplus trauma kits, 1,350 water filters, and 2,560 solar lights.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to strengthen partnerships with (a) local governments and (b) non-governmental organisations to improve the effectiveness of UK-funded development projects.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) values local authorities and civil society as an essential element for delivering UK aid, as well as a policy partner and further recognises that stronger, more inclusive engagement with such partners and local organisations can better empower those that development and humanitarian efforts are designed to serve. Delivery, leadership, and decision-making by local people is often the best solution, particularly in times of crisis and in complex contexts. We are working to support the network to take a locally led approach that strengthens the leadership and resilience of local institutions, organisations and communities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of a delay in pledging for Gavi’s 8th replenishment on 25 June 2025 on (a) the UK’s international reputation and (b) other donor countries making pledges.

The UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance. We have committed £1.65 billion to the current strategic period covering 2021-2025. The UK is working with all partners, including other donors, to support a successful replenishment of Gavi. The UK has been clear about the reasons for the difficult decision to reduce UK Official Development Assistance from 0.5 per cent of Gross National Income to 0.3 per cent by 2027. Announcements on individual investments will be made following the completion of the Spending Review process.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the work of the OSCE Mission to strengthen inter-ethnic relations in Bosnia and Herzegovina.

The UK has consistently supported work with international partners to address ethnic tensions in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH), including support to the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe (OSCE) on electoral integrity; ensuring effective, fair, and transparent election processes helps to promote trust in the system and peaceful coexistence between communities. Our Embassy in Sarajevo regularly raises issues around inter-ethnic relations with BiH authorities, urging constructive action and underlining our support for an inclusive future, where fundamental rights are respected and all citizens are treated fairly.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to ensure that Overseas Development Assistance is used effectively to achieve intended outcomes in recipient countries.

The Prime Minister has committed to a process to look at all Official Development Assistance (ODA) programming across Government. This is to ensure that it is strategically coherent, delivers UK objectives, whilst providing value for money for the UK taxpayer.The Foreign Secretary commissioned the Development Review last year, which has also helped us consider value for money and oversight mechanisms for ODA.The Foreign Secretary will lead the cross-Departmental ODA review as part of the Spending Review process, proposing draft allocations to the Prime Minister, Chancellor and Chief Secretary to the Treasury to inform final departmental settlements within the coming weeks.The FCDO Programme Operating Framework (PrOF) is the FCDO's handbook for delivery of all programmes, and includes the mandatory ruleset, the roles and responsibilities and governance within which programme teams throughout the network operate. The PrOF ensures that the FCDO delivers good quality programmes and addresses our priorities through a blend of diplomacy and development programming, ensuring that we comply with cross-HMG standards on project delivery. The PrOF rules set out the requirements for programme design and approval - including capturing the intended outcomes of the programme in a suitable results framework. The rules also require a suitable assessment of any partner who is to receive funding, and that sufficient monitoring is in place to provide performance and financial oversight and manage risk. Regular formal reviews are mandatory - annually, as a minimum, and at closure.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 39002 on Sudan: Children, what steps he is taking to help support children back to school in Sudan.

In late 2024, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) assessed that nearly 90 per cent of Sudan's school age children (17 million against a population of 19 million) were no longer in school with armed violence a key driver. UK funding to UNICEF, the Global Partnership for Education, and Education Cannot Wait is helping to provide schooling and psychosocial support to Sudanese children affected by the conflict including Sudanese refugees in Chad, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, Central Africa Republic, and Uganda. In addition, UK funding to Emergency Response Rooms and a consortium of international non-governmental organisations is helping to deliver education services across Sudan.Whilst the conflict continues the provision of schooling remains incredibly challenging. The UK is using all levers at its disposal to bring the fighting to an end.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of changes to UK Official Development Assistance on UK efforts to promote antimicrobial resistance work globally.

The Prime Minister has set out a new strategic vision for government spending on defence and security, and official development assistance. Decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used will be worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review, based on various factors including impact assessments.To enable us to deliver this change effectively, we are prioritising meeting legally binding commitments and delivering work already underway while maximising the Foreign, Commonwealth, Development Office's flexibility in 2025/26 before finalising ODA allocations and setting out our future budgets following the conclusion of the Spending Review.