Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, for what reason the new Special Envoy for Girls' Education does not have the same ministerial status and powers as her predecessor.

Since her appointment by the Prime Minister as the Special Envoy for Girls' Education on 16 January, Helen Grant MP has already made huge progress in making the case for the UK's priority in educating girls with a range of key partners and stakeholders.

The Special Envoy is supported by FCDO officials, and works very closely with the FCDO Ministerial team, including the Foreign Secretary and myself as well as regular engagement with Number 10. This dedicated role contributes strongly, and brings significant influence to a joined-up, senior Government promotion of the agenda, particularly in this critical year of UK leadership through our G7 Presidency, and co-hosting of the GPE Replenishment.