Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, questioned by International Development Committee – Bond reacts

Yesterday, Tuesday 20 June, the International Development Committee (IDC) took evidence from the Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly, during a session looking at the future of UK aid. 

During session, James Cleverly admitted that there has been a £1.5billion reduction to the UK aid budget for 23/24, which is a 16% reduction from the previous year. Yet, in 2022 alone, £2.39 billion was spent by the Home Office on refugee processing and accommodation costs.  

The Foreign Secretary also admitted that the full ODA budget for this year has still not been finalised, even though we’re three months into the financial year.  

In response to the session, Stephanie Draper, Chief Executive at Bond, the UK network for NGOs, said:

The government needs to find creative ways to support refugees in the UK and manage unpredictable costs without raiding the already diminished UK aid budget. Having a clear strategy and budget in place to limit both Home Office spending and ensuring ODA quality standards are met would be a welcome start.

ENDS.

Notes for editors

• In April, provisional statistics published by the FCDO revealed that the UK Government spent more UK aid on refugee costs in the UK than in both Africa and Asia in 2022.

• Bond is the UK network for organisations working in international development. Bond unites and supports a diverse network of over 400 civil society organisations from across the UK, and allies to help eradicate global poverty, inequality and injustice. 

• For further information or interviews please contact Jess Salter at [email protected] or 07392972411.