Written questions by Morton.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps is he taking to help tackle (a) sexual and (b) gender-based violence in Sudan.

I refer the Rt Hon. member to her previous question, 53517, to which our response outlined the UK's commitment to tackling gender-based violence in Sudan, and Ministerial engagement on the issue. Furthermore, through the Sudan Free of Female Genital Mutiliation programme, UK funding supports work on protection, prevention and care services for survivors of sexual violence. The UK funded Women's Integrated Sexual Health programme, has provided sexual and reproductive services to women, girls, men as well as persons living with disabilities, with UK aid delivered in camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs) and other contexts. We have also enhanced our atrocity risk monitoring, including monitoring of conflict-related sexual violence and are working with UN and non-governmental organisation partners to provide safe spaces, clinical treatment, dignity kits and psycho-social services for survivors.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what representations he has made to the Taliban on the treatment of (a) LGBT+ people, (b) women and girls and (c) people from ethnic Hazara communities.

Ministers do not engage with the Taliban, but Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials regularly press the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans, most recently in June. The Government is working with international partners to maintain collective pressure on the Taliban to reverse their inhuman restrictions. We continue to support the UN Special Rapporteur and his mandate to document human rights abuses in Afghanistan. Upholding human rights and gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also essential for building a stable, inclusive and prosperous country for all Afghans.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what proportion of the UK's pledge at the Gavi summit on 25 June 2025 will be delivered through the International Finance Facility for Immunisation.

We are currently working with Gavi and the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIM) Fund Manager to determine the proportion of our £1.25 billion pledge that will be provided through existing and new IFFIM pledges and the annual profile of contributions. Details will be determined and published on Dev Tracker in time for the commencement of the UK's 2026/27 financial year in April 2026.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what the (a) annual spending allocation profile and (b) planned timeline is for the £1.25 funding pledge to Gavi.

We are currently working with Gavi and the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIM) Fund Manager to determine the proportion of our £1.25 billion pledge that will be provided through existing and new IFFIM pledges and the annual profile of contributions. Details will be determined and published on Dev Tracker in time for the commencement of the UK's 2026/27 financial year in April 2026.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the reduction in ODA on his Department’s work on human rights.

We will further human rights by listening to our partners, investing in genuine partnerships, identifying joint goals, and working over the long term to drive meaningful change. We will also encourage states to uphold their international human rights obligations, and to hold those who violate or abuse human rights to account.The UK remains committed to supporting human rights around the world in line with the five priorities set out by the Minister responsible for Human Rights, in December 2024: 1) civic space; 2) rule of law; 3) equal rights for all; 4) accountable, effective, inclusive institutions; and 5) prioritising human rights and governance principles in responding to global challenges.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan, report to Parliament 2024 to 2025, published on 17 June 2025, what support the UK is giving to a ‘Special Funding Window on Conflict and Crises with respect to tackling Gender-Based Violence.

The UK is committed to tackling gender-based violence at home and overseas, including in areas of conflict and crises. We have been a proud contributor to the UN Trust Fund to End Violence Against Women (UNTF) since 2014, with the UK committing £2 million to their special funding window on conflict and crisis in 2023. New grantees within the UNTF were announced in 2024 and included organisations working in Myanmar, Syria and the Occupied Palestinian Territories - under the latest funding cycle, over 20% of the UNTF's new and diverse portfolio of grantees will target support to displaced and refugee women. The UK's support will fund civil society organisations to respond and prevent various forms of violence, including conflict-related sexual violence and violence against women in refugee or displaced persons camps.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 24 June 2025 to Question 59861 on Development Aid, what reforms he plans to drive in the multilateral system, whether he plans to do this in concert with allies; and what his planned timeline is for starting work on this.

The UK is a strong supporter of the international system, but we want to see reform. That is why we are prioritising multilateral organisations with our spending in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, while driving reform to strengthen its most important parts - humanitarian, health, climate, and the international financial institutions. This will help lower-income countries sustain their progress and become self-sufficient.No nation can tackle global challenges alone, and the multilateral system offers scale, value for money and impact. We are in regular discussion with our allies on reform, including on the UN80 process. We are using our voice and influence to push for greater efficiency and clearer coordination.We will continue to support multilateral development banks and invest in multilateral funds like Gavi, working with our partners and allies on reform. At the recent Gavi Leaders Summit, the Foreign Secretary announced the UK will invest £1.25 billion in Gavi and called for reform of the multilateral global health system.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 24 June 2025 to Question 59861 on Development Aid, which multilateral organisations he will prioritise funding.

We will prioritise multilaterals in the Official Development Assistance (ODA) budget, while driving reform of the multilateral system to strengthen its most important parts - humanitarian, health, climate, and the international financial institutions - to help lower-income countries sustain their progress and become self-sufficient. We will publish final 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Annual Report and Accounts on 21 July. Over the coming months, we will work through detailed decisions on how the ODA budget will be used from 2026/27, informed by internal and external consultation and impact assessments, ahead of publishing indicative multi-year allocations in the autumn.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the UN Human Rights Council 59: UK Statement on the report of the Special Rapporteur on Afghanistan, published on 16 June 2025, what steps he is taking to support access to (a) education, (b) employment, (c) freedom of movement and (d) expression for Afghan women and girls.

The Government condemns the Taliban's appalling repression of Afghan women and girls. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials regularly press the Taliban to respect the human rights of all Afghans, including women and girls, especially the right to education. We support access to education, through our international partners. At least 50 per cent of people reached by UK aid in Afghanistan are women and girls and our aid supports livelihood opportunities for women. We continue to engage directly with Afghans to help shape our policy and programmes. Upholding human rights and gender equality is not only a moral imperative but also essential for building a stable, inclusive, and prosperous country for all Afghans.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan, report to Parliament 2024 to 2025, published on 17 June 2025, what representations were made to the Special Envoy for Women and Girls by the women human rights defenders (WHRDs) from (a) Afghanistan, (b) Sudan and (c) Syria on potential steps the government might take to tackle threats and reprisals against WHRDs.

In March, during the UN Commission on the Status of Women, the UK Special Envoy for Women and Girls, Baroness Harman, hosted a closed meeting which gathered States, UN, and civil society representatives to highlight the shocking level of threats and reprisals against women human rights defenders (WHRDs). Baroness Harman heard powerful testimonies from WHRDs from Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudan, and Syria who called on the international community to take greater action to support women's participation free from reprisals, and to condemn the alarming prevalence of such retaliatory acts.The UK recognises the essential role that WHRDs play in promoting and protecting human rights, democracy, and the rule of law and is steadfast in its commitment to women's full, equal, meaningful and safe participation in all spheres of decision-making.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to table 2.6 of HM Treasury's document entitled Spending Review 2025: Departmental Efficiency Plans, published on 11 June 2025, whether he has had discussions with the BBC on proposals for potential costs savings of the BBC World Service.

No decisions have been taken on the World Service Grant-in-Aid funding for the next three years (2026/27 and beyond). This was not settled in the Spending Review and will be determined alongside our other Official Development Assistance and Non-ODA allocations, in the autumn.For the Spending Review, the Treasury asked the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (along with most departments) to identify efficiency savings and to model certain budget scenarios. The request we made - to model scenarios equivalent to flat cash and a 2 per cent per year budget reduction, equating to around £3 million per year - was in line with that Treasury request.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 17 June 2025 on Afghanistan, HCWS703, what (a) recommendations and (b) actions were agreed as part of the dialogue on food insecurity.

As part of its response to the dire food security and nutrition situation in Afghanistan, the UK is convening a range of stakeholders to explore how we can collectively maximise the impact of our work on this issue. These discussions are ongoing and will conclude in October where we hope to secure joint commitments from donors and partners to work together to improve the situation, particularly for women and children.As part of this initiative, my colleague the Minister of State for International Development has invited you and fellow interested MPs and Peers to join the United Nations Children's Fund, and partners for the UK Launch of First Foods Afghanistan in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on 17 July - I do hope you will be able to join this important presentation and discussion.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraph 2.54 of the Spending Review Departmental Efficiency Plans 2025, if he will make an estimate of the annual cost of contingent labour costs for digital services.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) is implementing a strategy to reduce reliance on contingent labour in digital services. As set out in the Department's internal planning, the annual cost of contingent labour identified for insourcing is estimated at £17.6 million. This forms part of a wider programme to rebalance the workforce and invest in permanent digital, data and cyber capability. The Department is transitioning funding from non-pay to pay to support this shift, with a projected increase in civil servant roles and a corresponding reduction in contingent labour. This approach aligns with the Government's strategic direction to improve efficiency and resilience in digital delivery.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to address pay grade inflation.

All roles advertised in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) are systematically, objectively, and consistently evaluated to ensure there is a fair basis for determining the grading of a role relative to other roles in the organisation and other government departments. Job evaluation and grading conducted by the FCDO supports high-quality and consistent job design, based on objective evidence. Although 'titles' of roles may vary, grading of a position is determined by the responsibilities and job weighting of the role.We are also looking at ways of incentivising staff to stay in grade longer by financial and learning and development means. This will allow staff to develop deep knowledge and expertise and ensuring they are ready for promotion and able to perform a full range of roles at the higher grade.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to paragraphs 2.48 and 2.56 of the Spending Review Departmental Efficiency Plans 2025, what operational reforms will be delivered by the British Council; and what the cost of those reforms will be.

No decisions have been taken for the British Council's Grant-in-Aid funding for the next three years (2026/27 and beyond). This was not settled in the Spending Review and will be determined in the round, alongside our other Official Development Assistance (ODA) and Non-ODA allocations, in the autumn.In the Spending Review, the Treasury asked the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) (along with most departments) to identify efficiency savings and model certain budget scenarios. The request we made of the British Council, to model scenarios equivalent to flat cash and a 2 per cent per year budget reduction, was in line with that Treasury request. No decisions on the British Council's global footprint have been taken.The FCDO is supporting the British Council to deliver a financial turnaround plan to ensure the British Council's finances are returned to a stable footing.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 24 June 2025 to Question 59016 on Development Aid: Education, what his target date is for the publication of the Annual Report and Accounts.

We expect to publish the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's Annual Report and Accounts on the 21 July.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he made of the potential impact changes to the level of UK funding for Gavi on vaccine access in low-income countries.

At the Gavi Summit on 25 June, the Foreign Secretary announced that the UK will invest an additional £1.25 billion in Gavi's 2026 - 2030 programme. This commitment will help deliver Gavi to partner with countries to immunise up to 500 million more children and save up to 8 million more lives. With a smaller aid budget, we are prioritising global health, humanitarian response, and climate and nature - areas where the UK can drive the greatest impact. We are also pushing for multilateral reform to ensure every pound delivers the best outcomes for the world's most vulnerable people.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the Women, Peace and Security National Action Plan, report to Parliament 2024 to 2025, published on 17 June 2025, what steps he is taking to ensure the UK has a leading role in the drafting of the future UN Crimes Against Humanity Convention.

The UK welcomed the United Nations (UN) Sixth Committee's unanimous agreement in November 2024 to move to the negotiation of a legally binding Convention on Crimes Against Humanity. The UK sees real benefit in developing such a Convention, which has the potential to strengthen the domestic and international legal architecture on preventing and prosecuting conflict-related sexual violence and other atrocity crimes. The UK is unwavering in its leadership of the UN's Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and is committed to accelerating progress on the Crimes Against Humanity Convention through the UN, as outlined in our WPS National Action Plan.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using (a) savings groups and (b) other asset-based community development strategies to complement his wider humanitarian aid objectives.

Community-led approaches are effective and sustainable ways to provide assistance. People in crisis often rely on social support networks and the informal economy to survive. From savings groups and informal credit systems to community food-sharing, these systems can often be more resilient and trusted than formal ones.This is already integrated in our approach; in Yemen our Food Security Safety Nets programme supports Village Savings and Loans Associations to improve individual and community resilience. Our Building Resilient Communities in Somalia programme supports Self Help Groups which include savings and lending alongside wider interventions to foster leadership, social cohesion, and collective action to tackle community challenges and improve livelihoods.We continue to build our knowledge and evidence of these approaches as we support broader reform of the humanitarian system to ensure a more people-centred, inclusive and locally-led response.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of using asset-based community development strategies to support displaced people in South Sudan.

In South Sudan, we support the World Food Programme's asset creation and livelihoods interventions, which help local communities to become more self-sufficient and resilient. This includes constructing wells, roads and supporting small businesses. We are also supporting an NGO-led project THRIVE (Transforming Household Resilience Through Inclusive Economic Development in South Sudan), which is helping vulnerable pastoral communities to sustain livelihoods and strengthen the markets they rely on. For example, this includes supporting farmer cooperatives, sustainable tree nurseries and cold storage of fisheries. In addition, we work with the International Organization for Migration to support people displaced by conflict or natural disasters. Together, we help them find safer, more stable places to live and rebuild their lives. These efforts align with our broader objectives of sustainable development and conflict recovery in South Sudan.