DFID prepares for an expected El Niño
The looming weather phenomenon could cause widespread flooding and drought across several regions and increase the likelihood of humanitarian assistance needs.
DFID promises 'no accounting tricks' to count CDC profits as aid
DFID Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft assured politicians that the department would act within the rules after comments from his boss on counting profits as ODA sparked concern — but some observers remain wary.
DFID will defend its budget, top UK civil servant tells MPs
Permanent Secretary Matthew Rycroft has said he will fight to preserve DFID's share of the aid budget as the U.K. government pursues a plan to redirect it to other departments.
Turning UK aid into sustainable space projects
The U.K. government is funding a range of satellite initiatives in middle- and low-income countries, from predicting crop pest outbreaks to providing communications in disaster zones. Here’s where the money is going.
UK NGOs head for Europe as Brexit looms
Observers fear the U.K. could experience an exodus of aid expertise as organizations hurry to firm up their presence in Europe.
Why would the UK want to withdraw from UNESCO
Devex explains why the U.K.'s potential withdrawal from the U.N. agency is being discussed, and if it is likely to happen.
What's at stake for aid in the Brexit deal?
From funding to influence, Devex looks at the big issues for aid as politicians scramble to seal a Brexit agreement.
Can the UK contribute to EU aid funds after Brexit?
The United Kingdom currently spends more than 10 percent of its aid budget through the European Union — but what happens after Brexit?
Aid watchdog accuses DFID of exaggerating maternal health impacts
The U.K. Department for International Development may not have saved as many maternal lives as it claims, according to a report published by the Independent Commission for Aid Impact.
UK aid funding headed for 'part privatization' after new announcement, observers say
The U.K. aid chief wants to recycle profits from its private sector investments in a controversial move that could reduce the amount of funding the government puts toward official development assistance.
Interactive: What is DFID planning through 2020?
Devex takes a look at new country-based bilateral aid spending data from the U.K. Department for International Development.
DFID's 'antiquated' contract system risks stifling innovation, report finds
The United Kingdom’s aid agency needs to overhaul the way it manages contracts with commercial suppliers, a report from the U.K. aid watchdog has found.
The new politics of aid
More than any time in recent years, the United Kingdom's main political parties are locking horns over how and why the U.K. should pursue its development goals.
Aid minister does not need signoff on ODA spending, says UK government
In its response to a parliamentary inquiry into the administration of official development assistance, the U.K. government rejected several recommendations for strengthening the DFID's oversight of ODA, as ever-more is spent by other parts of government.
UK will 'continue to reassess' its use of ODA definition if reforms cannot be made
The U.K. government has said it is committed to working with OECD partners to reform the international rules around official development assistance, but that it will "continue to reassess our approach" to the definition in order to achieve a "modernization agenda."
No-deal Brexit: UK government will underwrite ejected aid contracts
The U.K. government has committed to taking on current aid contracts after the European Union began to introduce disclaimers in February in all contracts stating that U.K.-based partners could suddenly lose funding in the event of a no-deal Brexit.
UK plans to break with international aid rules
United Kingdom development chief Penny Mordaunt has pledged to use the aid budget to support overseas territories faced with natural disasters, even if they are ineligible under the internationally agreed rules.
UK pushes for closer EU aid 'accord' after Brexit
The U.K. government will suggest a development "accord" in upcoming negotiations for its exit from the EU, according to a new white paper seeking closer access to EU aid instruments and external programs than outlined in earlier proposals.
EU 'aid for trade' deals to be replicated with UK after Brexit
All 29 developing countries that currently hold Economic Partnership Agreements with the EU have agreed to replicate them with the U.K. after Brexit, according to a government source — but some members of the development community say they should be renegotiated.
Opinion: What does spending in the ‘national interest’ mean for UK aid?
U.K. aid is in a state of flux, with aid increasingly being spent in the national interest through departments other than DFID. But what does this spending mean for Britain’s role in the fight against poverty and should we be worried? Writes Romilly Greenhill, U.K. director of ONE.
OECD cautious over aid plans for UK veterans
After the U.K. announced plans last week to use official development assistance to support U.K. veterans living in poverty in Commonwealth countries — previously a remit funded by the Ministry of Defence — OECD officials stressed that ODA contributions must not "upset community dynamics."