Written questions by Morton.

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, 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 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, pursuant to the Answer of 4 April 2025 to Question 41877 on Ukraine: Drug Resistance, which (a) projects and (b) work streams are focusing on tackling AMR.

We are funding the Ukrainian Red Cross (URCS) who are treating people, including some which have these infections. However, our humanitarian support does not specifically involve or target the particular issue of anti-microbial resistance (AMR). The URCS have funded UK-based surgeons and nurses to provide expertise to the burns unit in Kyiv. This unit supports people who have been injured through shelling, attacks, and debris, as well as household accidents. The medical staff coming to Kyiv help with best practice sharing; improving current procedures including infection prevention and control to help prevent infection which result in AMR. 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 AMR.

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 US tariffs on the Falkland Islands economy.

The UK Government is working closely with the Falkland Islands Government to understand the impact of the US tariffs, this includes engaging and meeting with experts in the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. I spoke to the Chair of the Legislative Assembly on 3 April on this issue, and discussed it again with the full Legislative Assembly and Governor on 23 April.

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 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.

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.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to encourage (a) local leadership and (b) community involvement in the (i) planning and (ii) implementation of UK-funded development programmes.

Promoting the resilience and local legitimacy of local civil society and mutual aid groups helps to protect civic space and support open societies and human rights. There is strong evidence that local organisations are particularly effective at driving social accountability and improvements to public services for marginalised groups, including women and girls. Examples include our innovative £60 million partnership with Comic Relief to build the capacity of Southern civil society organisations, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's programmes to support local Disabled People's Organisations and local Women's Rights Organisations. 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. Delivery, leadership, and decision-making by local people is often the best solution, particularly in times of crisis and in complex contexts.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Western Balkan countries.

We support the Euro-Atlantic aspirations of Western Balkans countries as a route to promote stability and prosperity in the region, to help address threats to European security, and to counter irregular migration and serious organised crime. We work closely with the EU and other international partners, including the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), to support regional cooperation and reforms that drive integration with Euro-Atlantic institutions. We also work together to counter Russian disinformation and economic and political coercion in the region. This year's UK-hosted Berlin Process will support Western Balkans countries' Euro-Atlantic aspirations by focusing on strengthened regional cooperation to tackle irregular migration and serious organised crime, reinforced European security, and unlocking barriers to growth.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of repatriating patients with antimicrobial resistance from conflict zones on (a) UK citizens and (b) the NHS.

The Department recognises conflict as a major driver of antimicrobial resistance (AMR), posing significant risks to populations in fragile and conflict-affected states, the wider global community, and the United Kingdom. In response, the Department of Health and Social Care is working closely with the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to raise global awareness and understanding of this growing threat. The Government does not routinely repatriate patients from conflict zones, and where these have taken place, it has been under exceptional circumstances, or at the individual's expense to reduce avoidable burdens on UK taxpayers.Evidence indicates that inward migration from countries with a high prevalence of AMR is likely contributing to the rising AMR burden in the UK, which includes the risk of multidrug-resistant (MDR) tuberculosis (TB). To address this risk, there is a UK pre-entry screening programme for migrants coming for more than six months from countries with high incidence of TB. This will include countries with high incidence of MDR disease. Further information on the evidence is available at the following link:https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6032478/The UK Health Security Agency does not currently undertake routine surveillance of AMR specifically in patients repatriated from conflict zones, but remains committed to strengthening surveillance of drug-resistant infections more broadly regardless of source, to ensure early detection and to enable a rapid response to emerging threatsThe National Health Service is a residency-based system, which means that people who do not live here on a lawful, settled basis must contribute to the cost of their care. However, some of the most vulnerable people arriving in the UK, including refugees and some asylum seekers, do not pay for NHS treatment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 8 April 2025 to Question 39012 on Sudan: Refugees, how much and what proportion of official development assistance funding to Sudan will be spent on Sudanese refugees in Chad in the 2025-26 financial year.

Since the start of the conflict in Sudan, almost one million people have crossed the border into Chad which now has Africa's largest refugee caseload per capita. On average, 200 people each day seek safety in Chad from Sudan. In January, whilst in Chad, the Foreign Secretary announced a doubling of aid to Sudan with an overall allocation of £226.5 million for financial year 2024/25. Last financial year, we provided over £40 million to address humanitarian needs in eastern Chad. This benefitted 300,000 people: both Sudanese refugees and local Chadian host communities.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of planned reductions to the Official Development Assistance budget on the effectiveness of programmes to tackle infectious diseases.

Decisions on how the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget will be used are being worked through as part of the ongoing Spending Review, based on various factors including impact assessments.We plan to publish final 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Annual Report & Accounts this summer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 2 April 2025 to Question 41094 on Aid Workers: Armed Conflict, what assessment his Department has made of the effectiveness of UN Security Council Resolution 2730 in protecting those Humanitarian Aid workers in areas of conflict and instability.

The scale and severity of threats to humanitarian aid workers is alarming. The UK co-sponsored UN Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 2730 to draw attention to the protection of humanitarian aid workers, including protection for national personnel who often face higher risks, and to request the UN Secretary General to update the UN Security Council (UNSC) annually on progress to protect humanitarian personnel.Under the auspices of UNSCR 2730, in November 2024 the UK invited the Aid Worker Security Database founder to brief the council on the scale of the issue. In April 2025, the UK called for investigations into the tragic deaths of Palestinian Red Crescent Society staff and called on Israel to support the search for a missing staff member.We also use our seat at the UNSC to condemn specific incidents, including: the attack on Zamzam refugee camp in Sudan; the tragic deaths of World Central Kitchen staff in Gaza; and incidents in Ukraine.The UK has also joined an Australian-led Foreign Ministers' initiative to develop a political declaration to enhance protection for humanitarian personnel and complement UNSCR 2730 by galvanising collective action.