The ONE Campaign responds to merger of DFID and FCO

Today, Prime Minster Boris Johnson announced the merger of The Department for International Development (DFID) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO). Anti-poverty organisation The ONE Campaign strongly criticised the move:

Romilly Greenhill, UK Director of ONE, said: “Today is a loss for global Britain and the world’s poorest people. It’s perplexing that the Government chose the middle of a global pandemic to merge these two departments.

“DFID is recognised internationally for its expertise in making the world a healthier, safer and more prosperous place. Abolishing it will harm us all. Time and again it’s been shown that the FCO does not have the experience or capacity to do this well. 

“This is not the right decision if Britain is to truly be a global player in addressing challenges such as Covid-19. A global pandemic requires a global response – driven by those with real expertise in fighting disease and extreme poverty. Capitals around the world will be dismayed that the UK appears to be stepping back from global leadership at the very moment it is needed most.”