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Written question asked by Layla Moran (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 18 January 2022, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 21 January 2022 (named day). It was answered by Vicky Ford (Conservative) on Monday, 24 January 2022 on behalf of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

Tonga: Volcanoes

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what assessment she has made of the effect of reductions to Official Development Assistance spending on the ability of the Government to respond effectively to the eruption of Hunga Tonga–Hunga Haʻapai volcano and subsequent tsunami.

Answer

The UK is deeply concerned by the appalling devastation caused by the recent volcanic eruption and tsunami in Tonga. While full details of the humanitarian impact are still unknown, HMG has been working with partners on options for support, helping to ensure a coordinated regional response.

The UK is a world leader on International Development; in 2020 we were the third largest donor. Departmental Official Development Assistance (ODA) budgets will be increasing significantly over the Spending Review period, from £10 billion that was allocated in 2020 to at least £12.3 billion by 2024-25. Most UK aid in the Pacific Island Countries is delivered through multilateral institutions, which have the capacity and scale to deliver strong development impact in the region on our behalf. Since 2015, we estimate that Tonga has received over £25.9 million of UK aid through our core funding to multilateral institutions (2015: £2.0 million; 2016: £2.2 million; 2017: £1.8 million; 2018: £8.2 million; 2019: £11.7 million).

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
106858
Session
2021-22
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Development aid Tonga Volcanoes
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk