MPs 'deeply concerned' over plans to end FGM prevention funding

MPs have expressed deep concerns over plans to end the funding of a ‘flagship programme’ to combat female genital mutilation (FGM).

(c) Enrique/Pixabay

(c) Enrique/Pixabay

The concerns were voiced in a letter to Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) minister (International Development and Africa) Baroness Chapman of Darlington from Women and Equalities Committee (WEC) chair Sarah Owen and International Development Committee (IDC) chair Sarah Champion.

The chairs said they were ‘deeply concerned' that funding was scheduled to end in October 2026.

WEC welcomed notification from the Government in a letter to the Committee in October that it is taking forward the committee's report recommendation relating to reconstructive surgery for FGM survivors.

The report also warned evidence indicated FGM was taking place in the UK and that UK citizens or residents were being taken abroad to undergo this form of gender-based violence.

The Government has confirmed the e-Learning for Healthcare FGM Module is being refreshed for publication in 2026, adding the NHS and Department of Health and Social Care were developing a communications plan to encourage take-up among health professionals.

An FCDO spokesperson said: ‘The FCDO is steadfast in championing the rights of women and girls worldwide, including working with local partners to tackle the scourge of FGM, forced marriage and other coercive practices.

‘We set out the FCDO's ODA allocations for 2025/26 in our annual report in July and will set out allocations for future years in the coming months, including our programmes to protect the rights of women and girls.'

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