In response to the current speculation around the Department for International Development:

Alex Thier, Executive Director of the Overseas Development Institute – the UK’s leading think tank on international development, said: 'This should not distract from the critical work of DFID.

'Our research shows that action must be accelerated if we are to achieve international commitments to end extreme poverty, effectively tackle climate change, and respond swiftly to the increasing number of crises around the world.

'UK global leadership is vital and the Government must focus on maintaining and strengthening this.'

ENDS

For more information please contact Miles Barter, Media Officer, in London on [email protected] or +44 (0)7808 791265.