The year ahead: Former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell on DfID's future
13 Jan 2020 Foreign Affairs
The year ahead: Former international development secretary Andrew Mitchell on DfID's future

In our January issue, CSW asks experts to give their thoughts on the new government’s policy priorities. In this first entry, Andrew Mitchell MP sets out why the government must keep the Department for International Development in the looming machinery of government changes
MoD rapped for delays and huge cost over-runs at nuclear sites
10 Jan 2020 Foreign Affairs
MoD rapped for delays and huge cost over-runs at nuclear sites

Officials failed to learn lessons as cost of projects rockets by 115%, NAO says
Boris Johnson to tell new EU Commission chief that trade deal must be struck by end of 2020
08 Jan 2020 Foreign Affairs
Boris Johnson to tell new EU Commission chief that trade deal must be struck by end of 2020

Talks come after von der Leyen has warned that the timetable leaves "very little time" to strike a deal
Government ‘caught short’ by Iran crisis, says ex-national security chief
07 Jan 2020 Foreign Affairs
Government ‘caught short’ by Iran crisis, says ex-national security chief

Lord Peter Ricketts says ‘no civil servant can handle a crisis of this magnitude without hands-on political direction’
DfID ‘to be spared’ as Johnson scales back Whitehall reorganisation
07 Jan 2020 Foreign Affairs
DfID ‘to be spared’ as Johnson scales back Whitehall reorganisation

Plans for a standalone borders and immigration department also put on back burner, according to reports.
Cabinet secretary ‘voiced security fears' over Rory Bremner’s impersonation of John Major
03 Jan 2020 Foreign Affairs
Cabinet secretary ‘voiced security fears' over Rory Bremner’s impersonation of John Major

Robin Butler suggested impressionist could trick chancellor into revealing budget details amid wave of spoof calls, former Channel 4 boss recalls
Two in five EU settlement scheme applicants given pre-settled status
18 Dec 2019 Foreign Affairs
Two in five EU settlement scheme applicants given pre-settled status

Stats released after FoI release shows 90% of appeals successful
Civil service ‘not match fit for trade talks but EU deal can be reached in 2020’
17 Dec 2019 Foreign Affairs
Civil service ‘not match fit for trade talks but EU deal can be reached in 2020’

Former ministerial adviser joins calls for DExEU to be wound up after January Brexit day
Abolishing DfID would see UK 'turn its back on poorest', charities warn Johnson
17 Dec 2019 Foreign Affairs
Abolishing DfID would see UK 'turn its back on poorest', charities warn Johnson

Warning comes amid reports the PM wants the Foreign Office to absorb the aid department
Civil service hiring and firing rules set for review as Cummings and Johnson plot Whitehall overhaul
16 Dec 2019 Foreign Affairs
Civil service hiring and firing rules set for review as Cummings and Johnson plot Whitehall overhaul

Reports suggest departmental changes will be implemented in the new year following a limited reshuffle this week
Johnson urged to abolish DExEU on 1 February
13 Dec 2019 Foreign Affairs
Johnson urged to abolish DExEU on 1 February

Brexit department remains an awkward fit in Whitehall, IfG says
DfID and DExEU 'could be scrapped' under next Conservative government
10 Dec 2019 Foreign Affairs
DfID and DExEU 'could be scrapped' under next Conservative government

Civil servants working up merger plans, reports say