Oral Answers to Questions

Debate between Danielle Rowley and Harriett Baldwin

Wednesday 9th January 2019 Commons Chamber

[Danielle Rowley (Midlothian) (Lab)]

5. What steps her Department is taking to ensure that the UK meets sustainable development goal 10 on reducing inequality.

[The Minister of State, Department for International Development (Harriett Baldwin)]

The Department for International Development’s mission is to reduce inequality by ending extreme poverty.

[Danielle Rowley]

We often talk in this place, at least on this side of the House, about the importance of universal public services like the NHS and inclusive education in ensuring that everyone, regardless of income, has access to essential services, which will bring about more equal societies. What is the Department doing to ensure that UK aid better supports the development of universal free public services in the countries in which it works?

[Harriett Baldwin]

The hon. Lady is absolutely right that that forms a core part of our work not only on ending extreme poverty but in providing access to essential, lifesaving services. Whether it is helping with infants and preventing maternal mortality or providing 12 years of quality education, the Department is working around the world on those opportunities.