Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps he is taking to increase the flow of UK funding to (a) Ethiopia and (b) other countries currently experiencing severe hunger crises; and if he will make a statement.

In FY 2022/23, the UK aims to provide approximately £156 million in humanitarian aid across East Africa. Our support is providing millions of people with essential services and supplies including food, water, and healthcare.

On 21 September, the Minister for Development Vicky Ford MP announced a package of assistance for Somalia, to alleviate the impact of drought and address the risk of famine. This brings the UK's total support to Somalia since 1 April 2022 to £52.8 million covering humanitarian, protection, health and nutrition support.

Ministers are currently reviewing a business case for a new humanitarian and resilience building programme in Ethiopia. We will announce plans for providing further support in due course.