Development Minister Andrew Mitchell to outline his priorities for UK aid.
The International Development Committee will hear from Andrew Mitchell MP, the new Minister for Development and Africa, on his priorities for aid spending during a session on Tuesday, December 6, at 2:30 pm in the Thatcher Room, Portcullis House.
Mr. Mitchell, who previously served as Secretary of State for International Development from May 2010 to September 2012, has criticized the merger of the Department for International Development with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in 2020. He has also raised concerns about subsequent cuts to aid budgets.
The session will offer him a platform to elaborate on his vision for the future of UK aid and his approach to addressing current challenges within the sector.
Recently, the Committee initiated an inquiry into the use of aid funding to support refugees in the UK. This has sparked debate over whether such expenditures represent an efficient and ethical application of public resources.
The inquiry aims to assess whether this allocation aligns with the overarching objectives of aid spending, which traditionally focuses on promoting global development and welfare.
The Minister will also face questions on how the government intends to restore confidence in its aid strategy amid concerns from stakeholders and international partners.
This session highlights the ongoing scrutiny of UK aid policies, particularly in light of significant structural changes and fiscal constraints affecting the sector.
