Oral Answers to Questions

Desmond Swayne Excerpts

Wednesday 21st November 2018 Commons Chamber

[Harriett Baldwin]

I pay tribute to the right hon. Gentleman’s work on the issue. We have seen the important report today that drew that conclusion. He will be aware that my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary will make a statement on Yemen later today. The right hon. Gentleman can be assured that the UK Government are doing everything we can, not only to fund the humanitarian response, but to resolve the logistical challenges that face those who want to deliver humanitarian aid.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

8. Will the Minister make the 250 million children who live in conflict zones a priority?

[Harriett Baldwin]

Yes; I reassure my right hon. Friend that children in conflict zones—there are so many of them—will continue to be a priority. I reassure hon. Members, who may have read reports that the figure was as low as 2.5%, that we do not recognise that figure. Our response to protecting children in conflict zones goes way beyond that and forms a core part of what we do.

--- Later in debate ---

[Penny Mordaunt]

I thank the hon. Gentleman for the long-term campaign work he has done on this. He will know that we have just announced some new programming to mitigate the enormous number of road traffic accidents around the world. It is not just our money but our technical support that is allowing that to happen.

[Sir Desmond Swayne (New Forest West) (Con)]

T8. Will the Secretary of State take note of World Vision’s campaign on behalf of children in conflict, “It Takes A World”?

[Penny Mordaunt]

I will certainly do that. I praise World Vision for the campaign and all the work it does. Children in conflict zones are a priority for my Department, and I would also like to put on the record our thanks to the Evening Standard for its War Child fundraising appeal.