Lammy says FCDO merger can't be reversed, due to China and climate
By Rob Merrick // 17 September 2024
The twin challenges of China and the climate crisis lie behind the decision not to restore a separate aid department in the United Kingdom, its new foreign and development secretary said.
Questioned by Devex, David Lammy said the incoming Labour government faced “a very different world” to the circumstances in 1997 when Tony Blair’s administration created the pioneering Department for International Development.
At an event in London on Tuesday, Lammy was asked whether he intends to deepen the merger that created the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office because it would be too costly and disruptive to unwind — or because he believes closer integration will deliver better development work.
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About the author
Rob Merrick
Rob Merrick is the U.K. Correspondent for Devex, covering FCDO and British aid. He reported on all the key events in British politics of the past 25 years from Westminster, including the financial crash, the Brexit fallout, the "Partygate" scandal, and the departures of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Rob has worked for The Independent and the Press Association and is a regular commentator on TV and radio. He can be reached at rob.merrick@devex.com.
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