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Written question asked by Layla Moran (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 24 March 2021, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 April 2021 (named day). It was answered by Amanda Solloway (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 April 2021 on behalf of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy.

UK Research and Innovation: Development Aid

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, with reference to the statement entitled Official Development Assistance: Foreign Secretary's statement on 26 November 2020, what assessment his Department has made of effect of the reduction in Official Development Assistance funding allocated to UKRI on his Department's ability to its stated goals relating to science, research and technology.

Answer

The challenging financial situation we face due to the Covid-19 pandemic has resulted in a temporary reduction in the UK’s aid spending target from 0.7% of GNI to 0.5%. This means making difficult decisions when it comes to prioritising how we spend aid money to deliver the most impactful outcomes.

The Government recognises the importance of supporting international research partnerships, and supporting the UK research sector. Our commitment to research and innovation has been clearly demonstrated by my Rt. Hon. Friend Mr Chancellor of the Exchequer’s Budget announcement of increasing investment in R&D across government to £14.6bn in 2021/22; and as has been set out in our Integrated Review ambitions, international collaboration is central to a healthy and productive R&D sector.

We are currently working with UKRI, and all our Global Challenges Research Fund and Newton Fund Delivery Partners, to manage the financial year 2021/22 ODA allocations. UKRI have written to many award holders setting out the next stage of the review of ODA funding next year, and to explore options for individual programmes. (Full details have been published on the UKRI website).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
174954
Session
2019-21
Related items
Official Development Assistance
Thursday, 26 November 2020
Parliamentary proceedings
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Transferred
Yes
Subjects
Development aid Technology Research Science UK Research and Innovation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk