In response to the announcement from Prime Minister Boris Johnson that the Department for International Development is to be merged with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Professor Melissa Leach, Director, Institute for Development Studies, said:
“It is disappointing that today’s announcement by the Prime Minister has been taken without due consultation as promised. Questions also remain about the evidence on which this decision was made, and whether it will result in greater value for money and strengthened international engagement.
In order for the UK to play its part on the world stage to tackle the most pressing global challenges we need a firm commitment to the globally recognised standards DFID has established in transparency, accountability and evidence-based spending decisions aimed at helping the poorest and most marginalised.
We look forward to working with the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office to ensure that DFID’s expertise in delivering ground-breaking research, humanitarian aid and long-term development efforts continues at a time when the need has never been greater.”
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