Official Development Assistance: Bilateral Allocations

Baroness Deech Excerpts

Tuesday 16th June 2026 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I think it is impossible to do development without prioritising women and girls, and almost everything we do benefits disproportionately—and quite rightly—women and girls. It is one of the reasons why we prioritise health, because most of that does go to support women in particular. We use our voice very strongly and increasingly strongly on the boards of multilateral institutions. I speak regularly with the presidents of the World Bank and the African Development Bank, and our engagement with the UN never fails to articulate strong support for women and girls, particularly at this time when, globally, it is becoming more and more contested.

[Baroness Deech (CB)]

My Lords, the Government are generously funding the Palestinian Authority. Despite assurances, it is very reliably reported that they are still shipping the money to terrorists who are in prison under their “pay for slay” policy. I suggest that the Government are being deceived over this.

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I hear the noble Baroness’s suggestion and I disagree with it.