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Lord Lemos (Lab)

Speaking in the House of Lords on 16 September 2025

Debate

Ethiopia and Eritrea

Contribution

I thank the noble Lord for that question. We are reducing ODA to the equivalent of 0.3% of GNI in order, as I think everyone knows, to fund defence spending at 2.5% of GDP by 2027. We remain committed to the 0.7% target when fiscal circumstances allow, as set out in the International Development Act. Reducing ODA now is a difficult but necessary decision to respond to the pressing security challenges. With regard to Ethiopia specifically, Ethiopia is a long-standing and important development partner to the UK and one of the largest recipients of UK ODA. Ensuring the protection of civilians is our top priority. Our ODA budget for Ethiopia is £161.7 million this year, making us one of the top three donors, and that gives us a great deal of influence with Ethiopia and in the wider region.

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