Merging DFID and the FCO is the wrong decision

The TUC is extremely disappointed that the government has chosen to merge the Department for International Development with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

UK aid should be administered through an independent DFID and be used to eliminate poverty, promote equality and to help create decent work in developing countries.

This merger, under the banner of Global Britain, risks UK aid becoming diverted to serve our foreign policy and commercial interests in a post-Brexit world.

At a time when Covid-19 is exposing and entrenching inequality, UK aid has a vital role to play in supporting jobs, incomes and livelihoods in developing countries, and also in supporting a just transition to low-carbon economies in the recovery.

We need an independent DFID to ensure that UK aid is used to deliver on our commitments to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including Goal 8 on decent work for all by 2030.