DFID is a world leader on global education and international development – without DFID’s leadership, we would not have seen such a significant increase in getting the world’s most marginalised children into school over the last twenty years.

Merging the Department into the Foreign and Commonwealth Office is a flawed decision that flies in the face of commitments made in the Government’s manifesto – including the commitment to supporting girls education globally.

This merger would be reckless at the best of times, but education is in crisis. The COVID-19 pandemic has compounded educational inequalities and is hitting the world’s most marginalised children the hardest – threatening previous progress towards SDG4.

DFID previously prided itself as a global champion on disabilities, forging the way in terms of support for inclusive education. This is not the time to set aside the best of who we are as a nation. The Prime Minister’s announcement diminishes the UK’s global role, and will reduce the impact of its aid.

ENDS