Question to the Department for International Development:

To ask the Secretary of State for International Development, what steps she is taking to ensure that the work of UK-based humanitarian NGOs is not adversely affected by the UK leaving the EU.

The EU guidelines (December 2017) acknowledge the proposal put forward by the UK for a time-limited implementation period, based on the existing structure of EU rules and regulations. Both parties have recognised the importance of such a period in the interests of providing certainty and continuity to businesses and individuals. The UK wants to agree the detail early in 2018 to provide certainty as quickly as possible. In the meantime, the Government will continue to work closely with the EU to ensure the UK’s rights as an EU Member State are respected.

Leaving the EU also offers opportunities for DFID and UK NGOs, and we will support our NGOs to make the most of these opportunities in future.