In response to reports that Labour is considering dropping a pledge to renistate the Department for International Development, Save the Children CEO Gwen Hines said:
“Last year’s commitment to establishing an independent department to lead the UK's international development efforts, led by a Secretary of State, was very welcome. Following the turmoil of recent years in UK international development policy, it is critical that the next Government – whichever party leads it – repairs the damage.
“So it’s concerning to hear Keir Starmer is considering returning to the Overseas Development Agency model that Labour abolished in 1997. The challenges facing the world’s poorest and most vulnerable children are evolving rapidly, and it’s more important than ever that the UK is serious in its commitment to helping tackle them. Top-level political leadership and an independent department with clearly defined objectives are vital to achieving this.”
ENDS
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