International Development Secretary letter to civil society organisations about the Government’s planning for Brexit
Published 16 August 2019
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Dear all,
It is my great honour to have been appointed Secretary of State for International Development by the Prime Minister and I look forward to working with you on our shared mission to eradicate global poverty. I am writing to you to update you on the Government’s planning for our departure from the European Union. This Government has been clear that the UK will be leaving the EU on 31 October whatever the circumstances. We would, of course, prefer to leave with a deal and we will work in an energetic and determined way to get that better deal.
Stepping up all necessary preparations for our Exit is now the Government’s top priority. For DFID, this means ensuring our world-class civil society organisations are able to continue delivering life-saving support to the world’s most vulnerable.
As you will be aware, the Government has offered to provide financial assurance to UK civil society organisations that lead and deliver development, external action and humanitarian programmes through the European Commission that are at risk of having their funding terminated in a no deal scenario.
I continue to encourage organisations to apply for our financial assurance for any new programme that is agreed. This needs to be done before 31 October this year; this is to prevent any loss of funding to deliver vital programmes. Details of this offer are set out in a technical notice.
On the issue of EU discrimination against British civil society organisations, we have been in direct communication with the EU Commission, and despite their reassurance that all organisations are treated equally I understand there have been further reported instances of discrimination. I will continue to raise further reported cases with them and continue to monitor the situation closely.
I appreciate the candid communications you have had on this issue with my officials. I must emphasise that we rely on your reports and supporting evidence where available, so please continue to report any unfair treatment to my officials overseeing this work, by email at [email protected].
I reiterate my Department’s support to help you prepare for our departure from the EU later this year. I look forward to engaging with organisations and groups throughout the sector on our vital mission to eliminate global poverty.
Rt Hon Alok Sharma MP
Secretary of State