In response to the Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab’s written statement setting out the findings of the cross-government review of how Official Development Assistance (ODA) will be allocated against the government’s priorities for 2021.
Professor Melissa Leach, Director, Institute of Development Studies, said
“The Government has announced a cut of £5bn from the UK aid budget at a time when the Covid-19 pandemic has devastated societies and economies around the world and is set to plunge millions more into poverty. This short-sighted decision to break a manifesto commitment will have long-term consequences for global development and for the UK’s international reputation.
“We look forward to further details regarding the ODA budget for international research under the remit of BEIS and FCDO. UK aid has played a central role in building the vital, and unique, UK leadership in transformative research for tackling global challenges, including climate change and global health.
“Good development depends on good research and evidence to understand what needs to be done, what works best when, why and how and to ensure value for money for UK ODA. It is essential that the UK continues to support collaborative, international and interdisciplinary science partnerships that are engaged with policymakers and practitioners.”
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