Farah Nazeer, Deputy Director of Advocacy at ActionAid UK says
“Merging the UK’s Department for International Development (DFID) into the Foreign Office would be disastrous for those struggling to survive poverty, climate change and disease – especially women and girls.
"Unlike other departments, DFID is renowned for delivering value for money and spending transparently. It has helped women to protect their families from Ebola, supported the most marginalised girls to receive a quality education, and enabled women and girls to access lifesaving aid following the world’s worst disasters - like Cyclone Idai earlier this year.
"Rather than building a ‘global Britain’, a merger could see aid being spent on trade and other Foreign Office policies, which means spending less on changing lives.
"We must not undo the UK’s place as a world leader on international development nor turn our back on those who need help most.”
Ends
For more information please contact Frankie.harrington@actionaid.org and charlotte.clarke@actionaid.org or call 07801797808.
Note to editors:
1. ActionAid is an international charity that works with women and girls living in poverty. Our dedicated local staff are changing the world with women and girls. We are ending violence and fighting poverty so that all women, everywhere, can create the future they want.