Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what representations her Department has made to the US Administration on its proposal to reduce funding to the UN Relief and Works Agency.

The US has consistently been the UN Relief and Works Agency’s (UNRWA) largest single donor. The UK has made official-level representations to the US highlighting our concern about the impact on the activities of UNRWA that any unexpected reductions or delays in predicted donor disbursements might have. My officials are working closely with UNRWA and donors on how best to ensure continuity of essential services to Palestinian refugees at this time. The UK remains firmly committed to supporting UNRWA and Palestinian refugees across the Middle East, providing around £50 million in 2017/18.