Last month, we were deeply concerned to see the government announce that the planned merger of the Department for International Development (DfID) with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will go ahead.

Our new briefing explains how this merger will undermine Britain’s standing as a leader in international development, at a time when the countries around the world are facing a humanitarian crisis – as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Countries in the global south, and those affected by conflict or with large refugee populations, are particularly vulnerable to this pandemic. Britain needs a transparent and independent development body to provide effective support, which the merger threatens.

Our briefing also outlines key recommendations and action points for both the government and the Labour Party, and collates a reading list for more information on this topic.