Responding to the UK Foreign Secretary’s announcements today on Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office development priorities, Nic Hailey CMG, Executive Director of peacebuilding charity International Alert, and former UK senior diplomat, said:
“It is the right decision to put conflict prevention and resolution at the heart of the UK’s approach to development and diplomacy. But the numbers behind today’s announcements fail to meet the moment.
“Flat-lined UK funding for the world’s worst crises, as the Foreign Secretary announced today, is better than the deep cuts in store elsewhere. But it is nowhere near enough. With the UK’s diplomatic resources also cut back, the Foreign Secretary’s laudable ambition to combine diplomacy and aid in peace efforts risks falling far short of its goals.
“Military and development leaders alike have pointed out the false logic of this government’s choice between defence, diplomacy and development. Amid fast-escalating global conflict, record humanitarian need, and the growing cost of conflict to people at home, now is the time for the UK to combine its resources, alliances and influence in a renewed effort for peace.”
It is the right decision to put conflict prevention and resolution at the heart of the UK’s approach to development and diplomacy. But the numbers behind today’s announcements fail to meet the moment.
