Speeches by Mathew.

“The next question is fairly specific, so let’s see who can answer it. What would be the possible impact if teams such as the atrocity prevention team were to experience a reduction in staff? I have heard that they have not been involved in Sudan—whether that is true, I do not know, so it would be interesting to hear—an…”

“Do any of the rest of you want to comment?”

“I will start with you, Freddie, but the rest of you will probably want to have your say on this as well. We hear that by 2030, two thirds of the world’s extreme poor are likely to be living in fragile and conflict-affected states. Are the spending and policy priorities for ODA fit for purpose, given where the bulk of t…”

“The UK staff overseas will be dealt with in exactly the same way as the UK staff here, presumably—those who are UK-based, and paying their taxes in the UK.”

“What conversations have you had with the Department regarding your concerns?”

“I will go to the next formal question, which I think is quite useful. What is your assessment of the extent to which agreed processes have been adhered to on this occasion?”

“I have some formal questions, but the answers to them will be useful. Lois, what implementation of this restructuring have you witnessed so far?”

“Over to you Martin. What is the agreed process for these sorts of restructures?”

“Over the past week, I am sure many of us have seen and felt the proof that our weather is becoming more extreme. That is why it is ever more important to be proactive and forward-thinking in our housing strategy. Does the Minister agree that sites that flood frequently, such as the old golf course in Bradford-on-Avon i…”

“16. What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to ensure that new housing developments are adequately flood-resilient.”

“I welcome the statement, but why is the FCDO’s atrocity prevention team not working with the Sudan team? Our briefing this morning gave a minimum estimate of 60,000 murdered thus far by the RSF in El Fasher, with bodies being buried by bulldozers. El Obeid is likely to be next, and Tawila camp is expected to be attacke…”

“The latest national action plan emphasises its flexibility in responding to crises in other countries. How effective has that been in practice, and could we perhaps have some examples?”

“Since being elected, it has been my honour to represent my constituency at remembrance events, parades, ceremonies and services. Last weekend, I laid a wreath in Devizes. For me, it was an opportunity not just to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, but to appreciate the community’s patriotic spirit. So many…”

“In last night’s Adjournment debate, I called for a Lancaster House-style conference for all the parties to the Sudan conflict, so that a way to peace can be found. Government Members also called for a peacemaking force. Given the urgency of the situation, can the Minister please see to it that both of those suggestions…”

“Yes.”

“Yes, and to what extent that is valued by development partners.”

“I want to take this in a slightly different direction—although I appreciate that last question—in terms of the way ICAI works with development partners and hears from them how things are going. Institutional memory is incredibly important, and that usually resides among the partners, rather than FCDO.”

“At your pre-appointment hearing, you said that you would seek to increase ICAI’s impact. What plans have you put in place to increase ICAI’s impact?”

“Moving on to upcoming reviews, in the first report of this commission, ICAI said that it would look at specific issues across multiple reviews. On which specific cross-review issues will ICAI focus during this commission and why?”

“I totally agree. I thank my hon. Friend for that point. With that, I will conclude my remarks.”