Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what effect the £2.9 billion projected reduction in the Official Development Assistance budget in 2020 has had on the Adolescent Girls' Education and Empowerment in Sub-Saharan Africa Programme.

Championing the right of every girl to 12 years of quality education is a top priority for this Government and the new Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. As the effects of the COVID-19 crisis play out, the socio-economic impact on girls has become increasingly clear and the focus on girls' education across the world is more important than ever.

The review of the ODA budget has made sure there continues to be support and commitment to ODA priorities, including girls' education. We are continuing with plans for a new girls' education programme in Africa that will empower marginalised girls.