Written questions by Ribeiro-Addy.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of planned departmental staffing reductions on the delivery of UK Official Development Assistance.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to becoming a leaner, more agile organisation, better able to deliver tangible benefits for the British people. We remain resolutely committed to international development and will ensure that we have the development capability and technical expertise to deliver on our ambition.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the potential impact of planned departmental staffing reductions on the delivery of the UK's Approach to Africa as announced on the 15th December 2025.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is committed to becoming a leaner, more agile organisation, better able to deliver tangible benefits for the British people. We remain resolutely committed to international development and will ensure that we have the development capability and technical expertise to deliver on our ambition.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach announcement, what assessment she has made of the potential merits of investing in renewable energy projects as part of Mission 300.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to advance shared interests on climate, nature, and clean energy with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, how much UK climate finance is planned for Africa over the next spending review period, and how this will be split between mitigation, adaptation and nature.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to advance shared interests on climate, nature, and clean energy with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what discussions her department has had with African leaders about the suitability of renewable energy projects for their nation, and whether this will inform the UK's investment in renewable energy projects.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to advance shared interests on climate, nature, and clean energy with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what measurable objectives the Government has set for its modernised approach to relations with African countries, and over what timeframe progress will be assessed.

The statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) sets out the seven areas of shared interest which we will prioritise alongside our African partners over the coming year, and we will set out the progress made in each area in due course, including on measurable objectives such as the scaling up of private capital for African development priorities, and the Mission 300 goals on access to electricity.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, which a) governments, b) multilateral organisations, c) private sector companies and d) other key stakeholders, will be invited to participate in the Illicit Finance Summit.

The Illicit Finance Summit will take place in London on 23-24 June 2026 and will convene a diverse group of governments, civil society organisations, and private sector representatives to build an international coalition to tackle flows of dirty money around the world and strengthen the UK's national security. Further updates, including details of the invitees, will be provided in due course.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what further reforms of the debt architecture her department is considering, and whether debt cancellation will be considered.

I refer the Hon Member to the answer provided on 14 July 2025 to Question HL9091.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what specific support the UK is providing to African small and medium-sized enterprises to enable them to benefit from UK-Africa trade initiatives.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, whether her department intends to renegotiate any of the existing trade agreements with African nations to better reflect the government's new approach.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what changes, if any, are being considered to visa processes for African business travellers and researchers as part of the Global Partner Programme.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what plans her department has to develop new trade agreements with African nations the UK does not have agreements with.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, which areas her department will prioritise when expanding trade opportunities.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, how the Developing Countries Trading Scheme is being adapted to align with the Government’s new Africa strategy.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what approach her department took to determine suitable organisations to consult with.

I refer the Hon Member to the summary of consultation responses published on 2 June 2025, which can be found on GOV.UK at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation-june-2025

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, what proportion of UK Official Development Assistance to Africa is expected to be delivered through investment vehicles rather than grant funding in each of the next three financial years.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, which a) nations and b) sectors the British International Investment and UK Export Finance will prioritise under the new approach.

I refer the Hon Member to the statement published on 15 December (UIN HCWS1168) setting out our commitment to unlock investment and trade with our African partners. We will provide further updates in due course on specific priorities and initiatives arising from that commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, which African nations did her department meet with representatives from during the "listening exercise".

I refer the Hon Member to the summary of consultation responses published on 2 June 2025, which can be found on GOV.UK at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation-june-2025

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UK's Africa Approach launch on 15 December 2025, whether she will provide a breakdown of the sectors covered by the 600 organisations consulted with.

I refer the Hon Member to the summary of consultation responses published on 2 June 2025, which can be found on GOV.UK at this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation/the-uks-new-approach-to-africa-summary-of-consultation-june-2025

What guidance on sickle cell disease his Department provides to Health Professionals making Personal Independence Payment assessments.

Personal Independence Payment (PIP) assessments are not medical assessments and do not require health professionals (HPs) to diagnose conditions or recommend treatment. Instead, they are functional assessments designed to evaluate how an individual’s health condition (such as sickle cell disease) or impairment(s) affects their ability to carry out daily living activities. HPs conducting assessments are trained specialists in disability analysis, focusing on understanding the functional impact of a claimant’s condition rather than its clinical diagnosis. All HPs conducting these assessments receive comprehensive training on assessing the effects of both physical and mental health conditions. HPs have access to a broad suite of Core Training and Guidance Materials. These include Condition Insight Reports and Continuing Professional Development documents, which provide detailed, quality-assured information on many of the symptoms commonly associated with sickle cell disease.