Written question asked by Tom Greatrex (Labour) on Tuesday, 29 June 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 1 July 2010. It was answered by Jeremy Browne (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 21 July 2010 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Overseas Aid: Human Rights

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs pursuant to the written ministerial statement of 29 June 2010, Official Report, columns 37-8WS, on Foreign and Commonwealth Office programmes, what work in which countries will be stopped as a result of the £560,000 reduction in spending on human rights and democracy; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary announced a 10% reduction this year in the Strategic Programme Fund for Human Rights and Democracy, as a contribution to reducing public expenditure, while making clear our desire to sustain such programmes in future years. Programme funds are only one way in which the Government upholds human rights, which are also a major focus of our overall bilateral and multilateral diplomatic activity. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office, in consultation with partners, is currently assessing how this 10% reduction to the Strategic Programme Fund for Human Rights and Democracy can be implemented.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 5487; 514 c327W
Session: 2010-12
Related items: Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Programmes
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Written statements
House of Commons
Subjects: Developing countries Human rights
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk