Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, whether his Department has taken steps to ensure that (a) UK Overseas Development Assistance and (b) other UK public funding and investment does not benefit organisations campaigning for laws discriminating against LGBT+ people; and whether any instances of such funding benefitting such organisations have occurred in the last three years.

LGBT+ rights are human rights. The UK is committed to championing these rights internationally and supporting those who defend them. We continue to work closely with our international partners and expert civil society organisations to ensure our work is effective and has a lasting impact for LGBT+ people. The FCDO treats equalities issues seriously and we have processes in place to ensure we meet our legal obligations. Any reports of inappropriate activity by partner organisations are investigated and appropriate action taken. For example, in 2021 the FCDO paused funding to the Mental Health Authority in Ghana, following statements made by the Chief Executive Officer regarding LGBT+ people.