The UK was seen as a leader for its international development policy, but against a backdrop of crises—from COVID-19 to spikes in energy and food prices triggered by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine—it has stepped back in recent years, with major aid cuts, a reduced focus on the poorest countries, and over a quarter of its aid budget now spent in the UK. Where should UK development policy go from here?
In this event, Lord Jeremy Purvis will set out the Liberal Democrats' approach to international development, as we approach the General Election. He will also give his perspective on the challenges facing UK development policy, the strengths and weaknesses of its approach, and the goals it should pursue in the coming years. Lord Purvis will draw on his experience serving as the Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson for International Development, Trade, and Foreign Affairs; and co-chairing the All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Extreme Poverty, Trade out of Poverty, and the United Nations Global Goals for Sustainable Development. He will be joined in conversation by Ian Mitchell, Senior Policy Fellow and Co-Director for Europe at the Center for Global Development (CGD).
With less than 18 months until the next General Election, this is the latest in a series of discussions hosted by CGD with the UK’s political leaders on development, including former Labour’s Shadow Secretary of State for International Development, Preet Gill; and International Development Committee Chair, Sarah Champion. The series gathers high-level political figures to share their take on the UK’s role in international development, and aims to broaden the discussion beyond immediate challenges.
Please note that this event is open to pre-registered media. If you have questions regarding media engagement, please contact mediarelations@cgdev.org.
