Charities have welcomed reports that the Department for International Development is to remain an independent government department.
More than 100 voluntary sector organisations signed a statement last month urging the government to retain DfID as a standalone body amid rumours that it was to be merged into the Foreign & Commonwealth Office.
The statement warned that the move would damage the UK’s commitment to humanitarian aid and dilute work on tackling problems in the developing world.
But the NGO umbrella body Bond, which published the joint statement last month, said today that it welcomed reports this week that DfID would remain an independent department.
Stephanie Draper, chief executive of Bond, said: “The reports that DfID is to remain an independent department are welcome, and mean we can get on with the important job of ensuring that every penny of UK aid goes towards helping people who are facing the devastating consequences of poverty, conflict and climate change.
“The UK has an opportunity to continue to be a major force for good in the world by showing real global leadership on health, education, sustainability and equality as we enter the decade of delivery for the Sustainable Development Goals.”