Written questions by Morton.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to raise international awareness of (a) noma and (b) the impact of noma on children in low-income countries.

I spoke at a reception in Parliament on the 28th January to mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) day. The meeting included a speech by Noma survivor and advocate Mulikat Okanlawon and I separately met with her to hear about her experiences.The UK is committed to combating NTDs and towards working with global partners towards achieving the global goal target to end the epidemic of NTDs by 2030, including for Noma. The UK is a signatory to the Kigali Declaration on NTDs and supports the World Health Organization (WHO's) roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030.The UK is a leading provider of flexible funding to WHO, which can support the full range of WHO priorities, such as NTDs. Other wider work that will also support reducing the prevalence and impact of Noma includes the department's support to strengthening country health systems, including in Noma prevalent countries such as Nigeria, and work to address factors associated with Noma such as malnutrition, other infectious diseases, and extreme poverty.The department has not made any assessment, separate to those made by the WHO, of the prevalence and mortality rates of Noma.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent steps his Department has taken to strengthen partnerships with African countries to help build resilience against terrorism.

Our partnerships with African countries are a core component of our approach to tackling terrorism across the continent, drawing on our domestic counter-terrorism experience while learning from our African partners' unique perspectives to enhance this work. The UK works to strengthen partnerships with key African partners through bilateral cooperation, such as our Security and Defence partnerships with Nigeria and Ghana, and our Security Compact with Kenya. The UK is also proactively engaged in supporting regional initiatives such as the African Union and multilateral institutions, including the Global Coalition Against Daesh and the Global Counter Terrorism Forum (GCTF).Through the UK's Integrated Security Fund, we are directly supporting capacity and resilience building, complementary to conflict prevention, stabilisation, and development approaches. For example, the Kenya-Somalia-Ethiopia Borderlands Project integrates preventing violent extremism activity with development and peacebuilding approaches to improve stability and counter the regional threat posed by Al-Shabaab.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of (a) prevalence and (b) mortality rates of noma (i) worldwide and (ii) in the UK.

I spoke at a reception in Parliament on the 28th January to mark World Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) day. The meeting included a speech by Noma survivor and advocate Mulikat Okanlawon and I separately met with her to hear about her experiences.The UK is committed to combating NTDs and towards working with global partners towards achieving the global goal target to end the epidemic of NTDs by 2030, including for Noma. The UK is a signatory to the Kigali Declaration on NTDs and supports the World Health Organization (WHO's) roadmap for Neglected Tropical Diseases 2021-2030.The UK is a leading provider of flexible funding to WHO, which can support the full range of WHO priorities, such as NTDs. Other wider work that will also support reducing the prevalence and impact of Noma includes the department's support to strengthening country health systems, including in Noma prevalent countries such as Nigeria, and work to address factors associated with Noma such as malnutrition, other infectious diseases, and extreme poverty.The department has not made any assessment, separate to those made by the WHO, of the prevalence and mortality rates of Noma.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to provide funds to (a) Gavi and (b) the International Finance Facility for Immunisation for 2026-2037; and what the annual contribution was to those organisations between 2011 and 2015.

The UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi and the largest contributor to the International Finance Facility for Immunisation (IFFIm). The UK has committed £1.65 billion to Gavi's current "5.1" strategic period covering 2021-2025 via direct contributions and IFFIm proceeds. As part of the Spending Review (SR) the UK is looking at all global health investments in the round. Announcements will follow the completion of the SR. The UK's total contribution to Gavi's third strategic period covering 2011-2015 was $2.27 billion of which $1.42bn was provided directly and $474 million through IFFIm.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of UK-funded counter-terrorism initiatives in Africa on trends in the level of terrorism in those countries.

UK funded counter-terrorism initiatives in Africa reduce terrorism risks to the UK and to British Nationals and UK interests overseas, as set out in the CONTEST Strategy published in 2023. Across Africa, the primary risks to the UK stem from Al Qaeda affiliates such as Al Shabaab based in Somalia, and from groups affiliated with Daesh located across the continent.We have had positive impact by supporting activities in priority countries to disrupt and degrade terrorist organisations (the 'Pursue' strand of CONTEST). Our focus is building host nations' counter terrorism criminal justice capability to tackle threats effectively, and to reduce terrorist capability and access to resources. We work hard to ensure compliance with UK human rights and legal standards.We have also worked with a range of governments and international and multilateral partners to develop capabilities to prevent people becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism (the 'Prevent' strand of CONTEST). For example, in Tunisia following the 2015 Sousse attacks in which 30 British nationals died, we worked in partnership with the Tunisian government to develop an early intervention system for people susceptible to radicalisation.This focused counter terrorism work is designed in close coordination with wider UK-funded activity seeking to reduce conflict in places where the primary conflict actors are affiliates of global terrorist organisations, ensuring that the UK Government's efforts both target the direct terrorism risk to UK interests as well as some of the underlying drivers which may contribute to that risk.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what recent discussions he has had with (a) the United States, (b) France and (c) the European Commission on financial commitments to Gavi’s next strategic period; and if he will make an assessment of the potential merits of making a comparable commitment.

The UK is one of the largest donors to Gavi contributing £1.65 billion to Gavi's current "5.1" strategic period covering 2021-2025. As part of the Spending Review (SR) the UK is looking at all global health investments in the round. Announcements will follow the completion of the SR. The UK is a strong supporter of Gavi and wants to see a successful replenishment. The UK is in regular contact with Gavi and Gavi donors to support the upcoming replenishment. The Foreign Secretary and I met with the Gavi CEO in February.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he plans to take with his (a) US and (b) EU counterparts to provide additional support to Ukraine.

We are in constant contact with our US and European partners to ensure that Ukraine has the support it needs. The Foreign Secretary led a senior UK delegation at the Munich Security Conference focussed on bolstering joint efforts to address the challenges of Russia's illegal war in Ukraine. On 17 February the Prime Minister travelled to Paris to meet with President Macron and other European leaders to review the situation in Ukraine and security issues in Europe. We are also working with G7 partners, including the US and EU, to implement the $50 billion Extraordinary Revenue Acceleration Loan by advancing the extraordinary profits generated by immobilized Russian Assets. We are working with Europe, stepping up our collective defence spending and support to Ukraine. Europe now provides 60 percent of all aid to Ukraine, and over half of all military aid. The UK will spend £4.5 billion on lethal aid for Ukraine this year - more than ever before, and we will set out a pathway to increase Defence spending to 2.5 percent in the spring.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of recent attempts by Russia to destabilise democracies in the Eastern Caucasian region; and what steps he is taking to support that region to counter those attempts.

Countering Russia's efforts to destabilise democracies in the South Caucasus, such as Armenia and Georgia, is a priority for the UK. We have previously supported Georgia in combatting Russian hybrid aggression by helping increase Georgia's cyber resilience. We took all opportunities to condemn Russia's illegal presence in Georgian territories including through the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolutions. We have supported Armenia's efforts to remove itself from Russia's orbit, including through support for Armenia's reform agenda and efforts to building institutional resilience and to strengthen cyber and border management.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to help facilitate the safe passage of humanitarian aid from (a) UK and (b) international NGOs and partners to the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo.

The UK is deeply concerned by the dire humanitarian impacts of the current situation in North Kivu. At the United Nations Security Council, the UK called on all parties not to obstruct the vital services that humanitarians are providing, and to cease hostilities and uphold the protection of humanitarian workers, as outlined in international humanitarian law. We also urged all parties to consider humanitarian corridors to restore essential services and ensure the safe passage of civilians and aid. The UK remains committed to supporting those most in need, providing £62 million this year in lifesaving humanitarian assistance.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2025 to Question 23329 on Red Sea: British Nationals Abroad, what discussions he has had with (a) the Secretary of State for Defence and (b) other Cabinet colleagues on the potential implications of unexploded ordinance in countries bordering the Red Sea on the safety of British nationals in that region.

Ministers are in regular touch about issues in the region. The FCDO-funded Global Mine Action Programme (GMAP) is the Government's main programme for reducing the threats posed to civilians by mines, cluster munitions and other unexploded ordnance. It is currently active in ten countries, including Sudan (where it is funding education about the risks). As for implications on the safety of British Nationals, we regularly update travel advice to ensure British Nationals have the best advice possible, available at all times, for all countries bordering the Red Sea.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Development of 23 January 2025 on International Day of Education, Official Report, column 433WH, what steps he is taking to ensure at least 50% of Government funding is reaching women and girls in Afghanistan; and what steps he is taking to measure this.

UK officials work closely with partners on the ground to ensure programmes delivered with UK funding are designed to focus on the most marginalised people, including women and girls. Implementing Partners provide the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) with data on the number of beneficiaries they have reached through UK funding, disaggregated by sex. The FCDO uses this to measure whether 50% of all beneficiaries reached are women and girls. We will continue to hold ourselves to account on this commitment.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2025 to Question 23329 on Red Sea: British Nationals Abroad, what steps is he taking to provide consular support to British nationals in that region.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office stands ready to provide consular support to British nationals abroad 24 hours a day, seven days a week. British nationals requiring consular assistance can contact their nearest Embassy, High Commission or Consulate [https://www.gov.uk/world/embassies].

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the British Council on the UK soft power and diplomacy.

The British Council plays a leading role in promoting UK values and interests through its work in arts and culture, education, and promotion of the English language.The British Council's 2023 Global Perceptions report survey demonstrates that cultural relations initiatives are connected to higher levels of trust in the UK Government. The average score for trust in the UK Government given by young people surveyed across the G20 was 54%. However, for those who had participated in a UK cultural initiative, the score was 62%, and where this initiative was produced by the British Council, it was 69%.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2025 to Question 23329 on Red Sea: British Nationals Abroad, what engagement he has had with the families of victims of recent fatalities in the Red Sea.

The FCDO continues to provide support to those British nationals and families affected by recent tragic incidents in the Red Sea, including the sinking of the Sea Story in November 2024 and the tragic fire on board the Hurricane in June 2023. We remain in contact with the relevant local authorities and our sincere condolences are with all the victims and their families.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to remove (a) help and (b) assistance from (i) internal and (ii) external communications and guidance with respect to UK Official Development Assistance.

The Foreign Secretary has put partnerships, not paternalism, at the centre of the UK's development relationships. I have been leading the focus on modern, mutually beneficial bilateral partnerships. This new model has been clearly communicated to FCDO officials. Partnership does not mean telling others we have the answers; the UK can act as a champion, seeking to bridge the gap between the Global North and Global South. As FCDO officials implement this modern approach to development, they will be treating other countries as equals, as part of resetting the UK's relationship with the Global South.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Development of 23 January 2025 on International Day of Education, Official Report, column 433WH, on what date was the funding for (a) Education Cannot Wait and (b) Global Partnership for Education announced; and in which financial year was the spending commitment transacted.

The UK announced £80 million of funding to Education Cannot Wait (ECW) for their current strategic plan (2023-2026) on 16 February 2023. To date, £27,635,535 has been released over financial years 2023-2024 and 2024-2025. The UK announced a further £14 million of funding to ECW specifically for education in Sudan and for Sudanese refugees on 17 November 2024. This funding was fully released this financial year. The UK announced £430 million for the Global Partnership for Education for their current strategic plan (2021-2025) on 11 June 2021. To date, £365 million has been released over financial years 2022-2023, 2023-2024 and 2024-2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 24 January 2025 to Question 25237 on Development Aid, when the Official Development Assistance Board first met; how frequently the Board plans to meet; how the meetings will be reported; and what are the terms of reference for the Board.

The first meeting of the re-established Official Development Assistance (ODA) Board took place in February 2025. The Board will meet two times per year, and more frequently if needed. The ODA Board scrutinises ODA spend, driving value for money for the UK taxpayer and a stronger strategic focus for ODA spending across government. Its remit includes managing pressures on the ODA budget and overseeing and monitoring ODA spending across government. There are currently no plans to report on meetings.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what plans he has to leverage (a) education and (b) research expertise to achieve his Department's development objectives.

Global education is critical to our vision for a world free from poverty on a liveable planet. Each additional year of learning is associated with a 10 per cent increase in earnings annually. There is, however, a lack of evidence in education to inform cost-effective and equitable decision making on education delivery in low- and middle-income contexts. The UK is therefore funding education research to address evidence gaps, with seven research programmes covering over 25 countries. Our Scaling Learning and Access in Education programme draws on rigorous evidence, including the Global Education Evidence Advisory Panel's Education Smart Buys. This includes supporting the scale-up of evidence-based interventions focused on management expertise, teacher training and in-class support to ensure high quality teaching and learning, and better access for vulnerable children. It will also contribute to the evidence base through rigorous test-learn-adapt pilots in a selection of low- and lower middle-income countries.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Development of 23 January 2025 on International Day of Education, Official Report, column 431WH, what discussions he has had with his international counterparts on support for women and girls’ education in Myanmar.

Since the coup in 2021, the UK has been prioritising education support to marginalised and conflict affected children, particularly girls in Myanmar. We are working closely with other partners, including Finland and Australia, to ensure children can continue learning despite the ongoing conflict. In 2024 the UK, with our partners, reached over 347,000 children in Myanmar and trained over 22,000 teachers. We are a core donor to Education Cannot Wait and the Global Partnership for Education to improve coordination efforts and advocate for increased funding for education in Myanmar. We have consistently raised the importance of protecting schools from the conflict and airstrikes, including at the UN Security Council, Human Rights Council and through international statements. This includes calling out destruction of schools in a joint international statement on 1 February 2025.

Commonwealth and Development Affairs, pursuant to the Answer of 13 January 2025 to Question 22620 on Development Aid: Review, which stakeholders were consulted for the review.

A broad range of stakeholders were consulted including from Parliament, academia, the non Governmental organisation sector, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office's global network.