Foreign Affairs

Foreign Affairs Committee chair Crispin Blunt welcomes “better outcome than had been feared” for the FCO

Defence committee takes evidence on the Strategic Defence and Security Review – with decision to axe 30% of MoD's civilian staff coming under fire from academics

Private sector providers can play an important role in realising the government’s One HMG Overseas approach to conflict stabilisation

National Cyber Centre to open in Cheltenham, George Osborne announces, amid flurry of security spending announcements in the wake of the Paris terror attacks

Ombudsman’s report has harsh words for Home Office and lessons for all government departments about how to use complaints to improve services

Cross-government SDSR to be unveiled two days before the Spending Review

LSE Diplomacy Commission warns over lack of joined-up foreign policy strategy – and says Foreign Office must do more to promote "family-friendly" career paths

Chatham House urges protection of FCO – while officials reportedly say they are "confident" of a good outcome at the Spending Review

Senior Tory backbencher joins former Treasury solicitor Sir Paul Jenkins in questioning removal of reference to international law

Cabinet Office says amended ministerial code continues to account for international conduct – but Sir Paul Jenkins warns of "contempt for the rule of international law"

Foreign Affairs Committee says FCO failing to prioritise human rights as resources are squeezed

Chancellor chairs first meeting of the public expenditure committee (PEX) — with DWP and DfID spending said to be under scrutiny