Andrew Mitchell has called for a “radical improvement” in the effectiveness of British aid to conflict zones like Iraq and Afghanistan following the release of a critical report from the Public Accounts Committee.
The report highlights several major issues with Department for International Development (DFID) projects.
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Suitably experienced staff are not being recruited, which is increasing the risk of fraud and waste
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The costs of security for staff is not being properly managed
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Serious mistakes have been made in the fight against opium production in Afghanistan
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Money has been given to the UN and World Bank without first checking if there is capacity to deliver on the ground.
Andrew, the Shadow International Development Secretary, said, “Effective aid and development is absolutely critical to winning the battle for hearts and minds.”
And he stressed, “The individual courage of our troops and aid workers must be supported by radical policy and management improvements in London.”