Written questions by Morton.

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, 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.

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, 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 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, 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 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 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, 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, which development programmes he plans to maintain funding for after the planned reduction of the Official Development Assistance budget is implemented.

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 FCDO Annual Report & Accounts this summer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the decision not to automatically adjust UK Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) spending in line with economic conditions on ODA-funded programmes globally.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) budgets from 2025/26 onwards are set in cash terms based on Gross National Income (GNI) forecasts. This change means the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO'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.Departmental ODA allocations will be confirmed at the Spending Review.

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, what discussions he has had with his counterpart in Poland on reports of the disappearance of Anzhelika Melnikava and her daughters.

I am concerned by reports of Angelika Melnikava's disappearance. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials are following the case closely. While the situation remains unclear, we have not raised this with the Polish government.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what diplomatic steps he is encourage democracy and human rights in Belarus; and what recent discussions he has had with his counterparts in Belarus on the disappearance of (a) opposition activists and (b) Anzhelika Melnikava.

We are deeply concerned by the ongoing repression that the Lukashenko regime conducts against its own people. The UK works closely with its likeminded partners on the ground in Minsk, in capitals, and in international organisations such as the Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe, UN, and International Labour Organization to encourage democracy and human rights in Belarus. In August 2024, the UK announced £2.5 million of funding to support Belarusian human rights and civil society causes.I am concerned by reports of Angelika Melnikava's disappearance. Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office officials are following the case closely. While the situation remains unclear, I have not raised this with Belarusian counterparts.

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.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of (a) political repression and (b) reports of the disappearance of Anzhelika Melnikava.

We are appalled by the repression that the Lukashenko regime conducts against its own people. UK policy on Belarus seeks to support a more open society, democracy, and human rights, directly opposing political repression. In August 2024, the UK announced £2.5 million of funding to support Belarusian human rights and civil society causes in their work against political repression. Additionally, in January, the UK led a joint statement with Australia, Canada, the EU, and New Zealand, condemning the January presidential elections as a sham.I am concerned by reports of Angelika Melnikava's disappearance. FCDO officials are following the case closely.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what discussions he has had with his European counterparts on accountability for the actions of the Lukashenko regime.

I condemn Belarus' relentless repression, which continues to become ever more draconian and punitive. The UK works closely with our likeminded partners on the ground in Minsk, in capitals, and in international organisations to work to hold the Lukashenko regime to account.The UK also co-sponsors the UN's accountability mandates and works on accountability measures through the International Accountability Platform for Belarus, which the UK led in establishing in 2021, working alongside Germany, Denmark, and a range of other partners. We also coordinate with our European partners on statements, sanctions, and work in Minsk to hold the regime to account.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of planned levels of future official development assistance spending on the ability of programmes supporting (a) schools and (b) health facilities to (i) undertake risk assessments and (ii) develop resilience plans for natural disasters.

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 Financial Year 2025/26 ODA programme allocations in The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office Annual Report & Accounts this summer.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of extending the Voluntary Service Overseas ACTIVE programme in the 2025-26 financial year.

The Prime Minister has taken the decision to increase spending on defence to 2.5 per cent of GDP from 2027, funded by reducing Official Development Assistance (ODA).The ODA budget will be gradually reduced to the equivalent of 0.3 per cent of GNI by 2027, to help smooth the transition.This difficult choice reflects the evolving nature of the threats we face, and the strategic shifts required to meet them, while maintaining economic stability.We are evaluating all ODA funding to ensure value for money for UK taxpayers and have to work harder than ever to make sure our development work delivers for the British public and our Plan for Change.Our approach balances the UK's proud tradition of supporting the world's most vulnerable with our fundamental responsibility to protect British interests in an increasingly unstable world.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of the decision to set annual aid budgets from 2027 in cash terms based on GNI forecasts at the Spending Review.

Official Development Assistance (ODA) budgets from 2025/26 onwards are set in cash terms based on Gross National Income (GNI) forecasts. This change means the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's (FCDO'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.Departmental ODA allocations will be confirmed at the Spending Review.