Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps his Department is taking to strengthen partnerships with (a) humanitarian organisations, (b) women-led organisations and (c) local civil society in the UK’s development work.

The Department has strong relationships with the main humanitarian agencies. The Foreign Secretary and I have met or spoken to the main UN humanitarian agencies and to the International Committee of the Red Cross.

The work of grassroots women's rights organisations is critical to advancing gender equality. The UK has a growing number of partnerships with diverse women's rights organisations across the programme portfolio, complemented by diplomatic support to amplify voices and share platforms.

The FCDO recognises that stronger, more inclusive engagement with local civil society better empowers the communities it serves. We continue to modernise and improve our relationships. Our innovative programme 'Shifting the Power' is investing up to £60m into building the capacity of local Civil Society Organisations in Ghana, Zambia and Malawi.