DEBATE PACK CDP 2019/0047 | 21 February 2019 Compiled by: Future of the Department Tim Robinson for International Subject specialist: Jon Lunn Development Contents Westminster Hall 1. Background 2 2. Press and media Wednesday 27 February 2019 articles 3 3. Gov.uk 4 2.30pm to 4.00pm 4. PQs 7 5. Debates 15 Debate initiated by Mr Tanmanjeet 6. Further reading 16 Singh Dhesi MP The proceedings of this debate can be viewed on parliamentlive.tv The House of Commons Library prepares a briefing in hard copy and/or online for most non-legislative debates in the Chamber and Westminster Hall other than half-hour debates. Debate Packs are produced quickly after the announcement of parliamentary business. They are intended to provide a summary or overview of the issue being debated and identify relevant briefings and useful documents, including press and parliamentary material. More detailed briefing can be prepared for Members on request to the Library. www.parliament.uk/commons-library | intranet.parliament.uk/commons-library |
[email protected] | @commonslibrary 2 Number CDP 2019-0047, 21 February 2019 1. Background The Department for International Development (DFID) was created as a stand-alone government department with cabinet rank by the new Labour Government in 1997. It replaced the Overseas Development Administration, which was part of the Foreign Office. When in opposition, Labour had argued that development policy should not be treated as a subset of foreign policy. The Labour Government went on to make prioritising poverty-reduction DFID’s legal obligation in the 2002 International Development Act. The Conservatives opposed the creation of DFID in 1997, arguing that development and foreign policy cannot and should not be separated in this way.