Conservative Friends of International Development

Voices: No wonder Annaliese Dodds has resigned over cutting aid to the world’s poorest people – it’s the only right thing to do trib.al/mXwISgc

Just two weeks ago David Lammy described cutting foreign aid as a “big strategic mistake”. Yesterday he fully supported Keir Starmer’s decision to use it to increase defence spending. Does the Foreign Secretary think that the Prime Minister is making a “big strategic mistake”?

"...Cutting development aid undermines our ability to stabilise fragile states... simply put, well-targeted aid prevents conflict and reduces the burden on our armed forces in the long run." theguardian.com/commentisfree/…

Increased defence spending is right, cutting the ODA budget is a mistake! Rather than cut the bloated welfare bill, or the number of civil servants, or GBEnergy, Starmer took the “easy option” stripping money from the poorest in the world and undermining our global influence.

The government’s decision to cut aid to unprecedentedly low levels is short-sighted and damaging. Increasing defence spending is right, but doing so at the expense of health and security risks to the UK, on the backs of the world’s poorest is, plain and simply, wrong.

Read our statement on today's announced cut to UK development aid:

Know someone keen to stand for Parliament next election? Applications are open for our 2025 Future Leaders Programme—an invaluable chance for aspiring MPs to learn from top experts in diplomacy, development, & defence. Apply now: coalitionforglobalprosperity.com/future-leaders…

Britain’s partnership with Nepal is a shining example of how UK aid fosters mutual prosperity. From disaster resilience to economic growth, this relationship benefits both nations. @ShivaniRaja_LE on our recent delegation to Nepal for @ConHome: conservativehome.com/2025/01/13/shi…

Wonderful to be back in Parliament with old friends and making new ones at #BOND @bondngo New Year reception! Inspiring Speeches conversations with @CFIDinfo @LabourCID @romilly_bond @TimIngramUK @paulcook @amyjay93

We were delighted to partner alongside other development groups with @bondngo for yesterday's parliamentary reception. Great to hear from the ONE Campaign and others on the important work going on around the globe to improve health outcomes and support communities

Since the turn of the century, 2.2bn cases of malaria & 12.7m deaths have been averted. But this preventable disease still kills 600k people a year, mostly children in Africa. Next year’s @gavi and @GlobalFund replenishments will be important moments to step up the fight 🇬🇧💉🦟

I met with @UNFPA London Representative @MonicaPFerro to find out exactly what is in the dignity kits we’re sending to Gaza to help vulnerable women and girls.

.@AndrewmitchMP is an incredible Deputy Foreign Secretary who cares deeply about the UK’s role in the world, and in particular supporting the most vulnerable in Africa. I’m proud to call him my friend. This clip demonstrates how intense his resolve is to help those suffering.

Delighted to see @BritishIntInv continue to innovate to boost its mobilisation of private finance into developing economies, delivering on a key White Paper commitment.

Globally, 200 million women & girls have experienced Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). Since 2013, the UK has worked with over 10,000 communities to abandon this harmful practice and is proud to support the Africa-led movement to #endFGM. On International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, we reiterate our commitment to stopping this violence and protecting the health, wellbeing and autonomy of women and girls.

NEW: UK unveils White Paper setting out a new approach to global development. Tap to read ⤵️

Today, the Global Food Security Summit will boost efforts to achieve zero hunger and end malnutrition. It will galvanise support for lasting solutions that prevent famine, build more resilient food systems and save lives. Watch live here: ukglobalfoodsecuritysummit.com/zoom #GFSS23

Ahead of next week’s Global Food Security summit in the UK, 9 organisations are calling for greater action to prevent and treat child wasting. Read the full statement: unicef.org/press-releases…

CFID welcomes back @David_Cameron to the 🇬🇧 Government as Foreign Secretary. We look forward to working with him and @AndrewmitchMP as they continue addressing international development issues around the world

The UK has delivered 51 tonnes of essential supplies and equipment to support humanitarian aid in Gaza. The aid has been delivered by three @RoyalAirForce flights to Egypt for onward distribution by partners. It includes 76,800 wound care packs, 2,560 solar lights and 1,350 water filters. It also includes forklift trucks, belt conveyors and lighting towers to help partners on the ground get supplies to the Rafah crossing and respond quickly to needs on the ground. Humanitarian aid must continue to be allowed into Gaza to reach the people who need it most.