Latest news with #JennyChapman
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Diminished UK aid budget is ‘new normal', says development minister
The UK's drastically diminished aid budget is the 'new normal,' the development minister, Jenny Chapman, has said, as she claimed Labour's approach would help repair voters' faith in overseas aid. Lady Chapman took up her post in February, after Anneliese Dodds resigned in protest at Keir Starmer's decision to slash overseas aid spending to 0.3% of gross national income from 0.5%, to pay for increased defence spending. Chapman said as she and her team go through the aid budget line by line, seeking deep cuts, they were not treating the belt-tightening as temporary. 'I'm not making my choices, thinking, 'Oh, we've got to get through the next 18 months, two years and then we'll be back to where we were'. I'm making decisions thinking that this is the new normal and we have to make this work,' she said, repeatedly referring to what she called a '0.3 world'. Chapman was the MP for Darlington from 2010 until 2019, when she lost her seat in Boris Johnson's landslide general election victory. She was ennobled by Starmer in 2021. Speaking in her spacious room in the Foreign Office, she acknowledged the dismay among many longtime supporters of development over the scale of Labour's cuts, but claimed the sector needed to work differently to win back wavering public support. 'I think the aid sector does amazing work and there are incredible people who've spent their lives working to make the world a better place,' she said. 'At the same time, the truth is that the confidence that the public once had in this agenda has faded, and we need to be honest with ourselves about that. And I will work with them to improve that situation.' 'I'm not going to shy away from tough messages when I think they need to be made.' Before the 20-year anniversary of the Gleneagles G8 summit, at which the UK secured significant progress on aid and debt relief, Chapman claimed Labour can still lead on these issues. 'I'm very proud that the last Labour government led thinking around development. We have to do the same now and we have to shape what development looks like for the next 20 years. That is the job.' Chapman attracted criticism earlier in the week for suggesting in an appearance at the cross-party international development committee that the UK had for too long been viewed as a 'global charity'. But speaking after her grilling by the committee, she insisted that even without the necessity of making cuts, the way the government works with developing countries needed significant reform. 'African governments are saying they want partnership, not paternalism. So they want more control over what happens in their country,' she said. Chapman suggested the UK's new approach, within straitened resources, would involve sharing UK expertise and encouraging private sector investment. 'This morning I was in the City with our new investment taskforce,' she said, citing 'lots of enthusiasm, lots of possibilities.' She also underlined the urgency of cutting the cost of supporting asylum seekers in the UK, which accounted for 20% of the overseas aid budget in 2024. Chapman is part of a joint working group with the Home Office aiming to reduce the budget in this area. 'They need to move further and faster because that's not good use of that money. They would agree with that,' she said. Asked where the cuts will fall, Chapman refused to make any specific budget commitments, but said the UK would prioritise humanitarian aid. She also hinted at other areas the government might focus on, including the World Bank's International Development Association (IDA) arm, which gives grants and loans to low-income countries, and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunisation (Gavi). 'Money that's spent by the World Bank, you get £10 invested for every £1 that we put in. That's a good use of money. The IDA fund performs very well, it's got proven evidence based of having an impact,' she said. 'We are one of the biggest, if not the biggest donors to Gavi; it works, it's saved hundreds of thousands, millions of lives.' Related: Cuts to welfare. Cuts to international aid. Has Labour lurched too far to the right? The UK committed £1.98bn over three years to IDA at the end of 2024, before the budget cuts were announced, but it has since been suggested that promise is 'under review'. Gavi has a pledging conference at which the UK will be expected to set out its contribution. Chapman also praised the BBC World Service, amid reports that the government is demanding budget cuts. 'We don't know what the exact allocations are going to be yet. We're working through those numbers, but what I would say is that the World Service do tremendous work that nobody else can do,' she said, calling it 'an absolute gold standard resource'.
Free Malaysia Today
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Free Malaysia Today
UK pledges over US$5mil in aid to Gaza
Jenny Chapman said Israel will not achieve security by prolonging Palestinian people's suffering. (AFP pic) LONDON : Britain pledged £4 million (US$5.4 million) in humanitarian aid to Gaza, the government said on Wednesday, as its minister for development Jenny Chapman visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. 'The Israeli government's failure to allow full humanitarian access to aid workers is abhorrent. Far too few trucks are crossing into Gaza,' Chapman said. 'The UK is clear – Israel will not achieve security through prolonging the suffering of the Palestinian people.' Britain, on Tuesday, paused free trade talks with Israel over its new offensive in Gaza, with foreign minister David Lammy calling for an end to the blockade of aid. The British Red Cross will receive the new aid package and deliver it through the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Britain said.
LBCI
21-05-2025
- Politics
- LBCI
UK pledges over $5 million in aid to Gaza
Britain pledged 4 million pounds ($5.4 million) in humanitarian aid to Gaza, the government said on Wednesday, as its Minister for Development Jenny Chapman visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. "The Israeli government's failure to allow full humanitarian access to aid workers is abhorrent. Far too few trucks are crossing into Gaza," Chapman said. "The UK is clear - Israel will not achieve security through prolonging the suffering of the Palestinian people." Britain on Tuesday paused free trade talks with Israel over its new offensive in Gaza, with foreign minister David Lammy calling for an end to the blockade of aid. The British Red Cross will receive the new aid package and deliver it through the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, Britain said.
North Wales Chronicle
21-05-2025
- Politics
- North Wales Chronicle
Government sends new aid to Gaza amid rising pressure on Israel to end blockade
The aid will include essential medicines, safe drinking water and food parcels. Minister for Development Jenny Chapman, who is visiting Israel and the occupied territories, said the lack of aid reaching Gazans is 'appalling'. The move comes after the UK criticised Israel over its actions in the region. Jenny Chapman is calling for an immediate ceasefire (James Manning/PA) On Tuesday, the Government suspended trade deal talks with Israel, sanctioned West Bank settlers and summoned the country's ambassador, while foreign Secretary David Lammy described Israel's actions as 'monstrous'. Ms Chapman announced the new UK support during a visit to a Red Crescent centre, but expressed her frustration that much of it cannot yet reach them because of the Israeli restrictions. 'The lack of aid reaching ordinary Gazans is appalling,' she said. 'The Israeli government's failure to allow full humanitarian access to aid workers is abhorrent. Far too few trucks are crossing into Gaza. 'The UN has warned nearly half a million Palestinians, including children, are facing starvation. 'The UK is clear – Israel will not achieve security through prolonging the suffering of the Palestinian people. 'I have heard first hand from aid workers today of the abominable impact of this behaviour on real families. 'The UK has today pledged new support for Gazans but the brutal reality is most of it is stuck in limbo.' 'We need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a surge of aid, and a path towards long-term peace,' she added. Humanitarian aid needs to get into Gaza 'at pace', Sir Keir Starmer told broadcasters as he visited a supermarket in north London on Tuesday afternoon. In response to the situation in the West Bank, Mr Lammy announced measures, including financial restrictions and travel bans, targeting prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss and two other individuals, as well as two illegal outposts and two organisations accused of backing violence against Palestinian communities. On Wednesday, Downing Street did not rule out that sanctions on Israeli ministers were possible in future after a report that No 10 and other countries were drawing up plans to target key figures in Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said he would not speculate on future sanctions policy but said it has been made clear that if Israel does not cease its military offensive and lift aid restrictions then the UK will take further 'concrete actions' in response.
Western Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Western Telegraph
Minister condemns Israeli military after British diplomats caught in shooting
A group of western diplomats faced warning shots from the Israel Defence Forces while visiting the city of Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Wednesday. Two British diplomats understood to be among the group of around 20 people have been confirmed as safe. Today's events in Jenin are unacceptable. I have spoken to our diplomats who were affected. Civilians must always be protected, and diplomats allowed to do their jobs. There must be a full investigation and those responsible should be held accountable. — Hamish Falconer MP (@HFalconerMP) May 21, 2025 Foreign Office minister Hamish Falconer described the events in Jenin as 'unacceptable'. He added: 'I have spoken to our diplomats who were affected. Civilians must always be protected, and diplomats allowed to do their jobs. There must be a full investigation and those responsible should be held accountable.' Diplomats from Ireland were also among the group, with the country's Deputy Premier and Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Harris condemning the incident 'in the strongest terms'. The Israeli military said the delegation had 'deviated from the approved route' of their visit and IDF soldiers fired warning shots to push them from the area. The IDF apologised and said it would contact all countries involved in the visit. Footage shows a number of diplomats running for cover as shots ring out. The incident came just a day after the UK announced it would cease all talks of a trade deal with Israel, and summoned the country's ambassador to make clear Britain is unhappy with the situation in Gaza. Several Israeli settlers were also issued with sanctions as the UK and allies ramp up pressure on Israel over the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian territories. Elsewhere, ministers announced they will send £4 million of aid to Gaza, including essential medicines, safe drinking water and food parcels. Minister for development Jenny Chapman, who is visiting Israel and the occupied territories, said the lack of aid reaching Gazans is 'appalling'. Ms Chapman announced the new UK support during a visit to a Red Crescent centre, but expressed her frustration that much of it cannot yet reach them because of the Israeli restrictions. 'The lack of aid reaching ordinary Gazans is appalling,' she said. 'The Israeli government's failure to allow full humanitarian access to aid workers is abhorrent. Far too few trucks are crossing into Gaza. 'The UN has warned nearly half a million Palestinians, including children, are facing starvation. Jenny Chapman (James Manning/PA) 'The UK is clear – Israel will not achieve security through prolonging the suffering of the Palestinian people. 'I have heard first hand from aid workers today of the abominable impact of this behaviour on real families. 'The UK has today pledged new support for Gazans but the brutal reality is most of it is stuck in limbo. 'We need to see an immediate ceasefire, the release of all hostages, a surge of aid, and a path towards long-term peace.' Humanitarian aid needs to get into Gaza 'at pace', Sir Keir Starmer told broadcasters as he visited a supermarket in north London on Tuesday afternoon. In response to the situation in the West Bank, Foreign Secretary David Lammy announced measures, including financial restrictions and travel bans, targeting prominent settler leader Daniella Weiss and two other individuals, as well as two illegal outposts and two organisations accused of backing violence against Palestinian communities. On Wednesday, Downing Street did not rule out more sanctions on Israeli ministers after a report said No 10 and other countries were drawing up plans to target key figures in Benjamin Netanyahu's government. The Prime Minister's official spokesman said he would not speculate on future sanctions but added that it has been made clear that if Israel does not cease its military offensive and lift aid restrictions then the UK will take further 'concrete actions'.
