UK aid risks promoting US models of democracy, MPs say

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UK aid risks promoting US models of democracy, MPs say
Sam Jones
TheGuardian

DfID using US organizations to strengthen parliaments in developing countries, advancing ‘less accountable’ American-style political systems, committee warns

The Department for International Development’s (DfID) extensive use of US organizations to strengthen parliaments in developing countries risks using British taxpayers’ money to promote “less accountable” American-style political systems at the expense of those based on the Westminster model, MPs have warned.

In a report published on Tuesday, the International Development Committee acknowledges that DfID is a major contributor to parliamentary strengthening – spending around £22.5m bilaterally last year – but urges it to ensure its long-term aid is being spent effectively by putting parliaments “at the heart of its governance work” and taking a more “hands-on approach” to the issue.

It expresses surprise at the extent to which the department relies on US organizations to build up parliaments, noting that “paradoxically DfID makes significantly more use of US than UK organizations”.

According to the report, seven of the current 37 parliament strengthening projects went to US managing agents, while only three went to Westminster providers. A list of key DfID suppliers shows that US-based organizations account for more than 55% of the department’s spending on parliamentary strengthening projects.

http://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2015/jan/27/uk-aid-department-for-international-development-usaid

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