§ Tony BaldryTo ask the Secretary of State for International Development what research is being undertaken on policies to help prevent failing states. [142646]
§ Hilary BennDFID's Policy Division has established a team on 'Poverty Reduction in Difficult Environments'. This team is developing innovative policy options for working more effectively in places where the state is unable or unwilling to take an active role in delivering poverty reduction. This includes states seen as 'weak and failing' as well as most conflict-affected states.
Through a series of seminars, studies and workshops we are seeking to improve our understanding of the internal and external causes of states that do not focus their policies on poverty reduction. This includes whether it is possible to identify in advance potential problem states, and then use preventative measures.
This issue is a high priority for the Department for International Development. We are also working closely with the Prime Minister's Strategy Unit to develop cross- Government policy on 'weak and failing' states. The Strategy Unit project seeks to work towards better coordination between different Whitehall Departments, and achieve improved policy coherence across Whitehall when dealing with weak and failing states.