Press Story

Responding to the minister of state for international development’s speech today, Laura Chappell, associate director for international policy at IPPR, said:

"This was an important speech today from the development minister.

She was right to emphasise the UK’s interconnectedness with the rest of the world. We can’t tackle challenges like rising energy and food costs, or the spread of infectious disease, alone. Working together is simply a more effective way to solve our problems.

"But we also welcome her recognition that the UK doesn’t – and shouldn’t – work internationally only because of the impact here at home. We also act because we feel a human connection to people living through war, hunger and other forms of suffering. IPPR welcomes a politics in which a minister can say: “I want to stop atrocities because they are atrocious.”

"The minister set out her intention to deliver five forms of security: health, climate, economic, human and food security. The big task now is to organise the UK’s resources around delivering them. That means better working across Whitehall, and stronger, more equal relationships with partner countries."

ENDS

Laura Chappell and other IPPR experts are available for interview

CONTACT

Rosie Okumbe, senior digital and media officer, 07825 185 421 r.okumbe@ippr.org

NOTES TO EDITORS

IPPR is the UK’s most influential think tank, with alumni in Downing Street, the cabinet and parliament. We are the ideas factory behind many of the current government’s flagship policies, including changes to fiscal rules, the creation of a National Wealth Fund, GB Energy, devolution, and reforms to the NHS. IPPR is an independent charity which has seconded staff to government departments including DHSC and DESNZ to support ministers on crucial policies such as the 10-year health plan and the industrial strategy: www.ippr.org