Official Development Assistance: Vulnerable Children

Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale Excerpts

Monday 23rd June 2025 Lords Chamber

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I thank the noble Baroness again and should just say how well regarded she remains in the department; when I saw this Question this morning, there were many kind comments about her. She is absolutely right to remind us of the importance of this, and particularly of nutrition. The UK led the recent Nutrition for Growth Summit in Paris compact on the integration of nutrition. We are currently working through the allocations, exactly who will get how much funding and how that will affect our programming, but I thank the noble Baroness for reminding us of the importance of this.

[Lord McConnell of Glenscorrodale (Lab)]

My Lords, I draw attention to my entries in the register on UNICEF UK and the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue. Does the Minister recognise that the children who are most affected by problems in education, health and the other aspects that the noble Baroness, Lady Anelay, raises are those who are suffering from conflict and displacement? Is the Minister aware that, last week, the Prime Minister received a letter from a number of individuals with lots of experience in this field and in security and defence, highlighting the fact that it is important for us to build up our hard power but it is not sufficient? Will there be a dedicated budget for conflict prevention and peacebuilding in the revised ODA settlement, and will the forthcoming national security strategy make a clear commitment to this country playing a role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding worldwide?

[Baroness Chapman of Darlington (Lab)]

I cannot speak for what will be in the national security strategy, but my noble friend is absolutely right in what he says about conflict. We will continue to support work on conflict prevention, with, as the Chamber will want to know, a particular focus on the impact on children, who often feel the brunt when conflict happens. They are, sadly, still subject to horrific violence, including sexual violence, in conflict, and this is something that the UK will never take its eye off.