<p>The proposed reduction to 0.5 per cent is temporary and we will return to 0.7 per cent as soon as the fiscal situation allows. The new strategic framework for our aid announced last month will ensure we can deliver UK aid better, even if our budget is smaller, by combining aid with diplomacy and focusing our efforts where the UK can make a world-leading difference. Safeguarding against sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment will remain a priority. We want to ensure that no harm is done to any person receiving or delivering aid and will continue to pay particular attention to the risks facing women and girls, including examining how these risks change over time.</p><p>As set out in our September 2020 Safeguarding Strategy, the UK is committed to driving up safeguarding standards across the aid sector and is leading global efforts to do so regardless of how much aid we spend each year. Our goal remains to ensure that all those engaged in poverty reduction take all reasonable steps to prevent harm, particularly sexual exploitation and abuse and sexual harassment, from occurring and to respond appropriately when harm or allegations of harm occur.</p>