I have been contacted regarding debt cancellation for the poorest countries in light of the coronavirus outbreak.
The UK is at the forefront of the global response to Covid-19. There has never been a more important time for us to be out in the world, delivering our 0.7 commitment and helping the most vulnerable in the world’s poorest countries.
I share concerns about the debt vulnerabilities in developing countries, which has been amplified by coronavirus, and welcome that the UK has made available up to £150 million to the International Monetary Fund's Catastrophe Containment and Relief Trust to help developing countries meet their debt repayments.
Responding to this crisis requires international cooperation. The UK, alongside G20 and the Paris Club of official creditors has committed to a historic suspension of debt repayment from the world's poorest countries. This will see official creditors provide up to $12 billion of cash-flow relief, which, importantly, will enable countries to focus available resources on tackling coronavirus and ensure they can direct greater resources to vital healthcare efforts, rather than interest payments. The Chancellor and G20 Finance Ministers have publicly called for the private sector to voluntarily participate in this initiative as well and, if it did so to the full extent, that would provide another $10 billion of breathing space for these countries.
The agreement also provides time to assess what further assistance these countries may need as the full economic impact becomes clearer, for example, future restructuring of debt may be needed.
I have been assured that ministers are keeping the policy under review and I will ensure they are aware of the views raised with me.
