Demand for UK DOGE increases as concerns rise over billions spent on overseas projects branded as ‘woke’
There have been growing calls for the British government to implement a version of the United States’ Department of Government Efficiency, inspired by hefty spending on projects like ‘diversity and inclusion in the Congo.’
The revelation of so-called “woke waste” spending on projects abroad related to diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI) has prompted demands for drastic cuts akin to Elon Musk’s approach.
Both Conservative and Labour governments have approved substantial sums for projects such as the £9,550,000 allocated to Cowater International to support “Accountability and Inclusion” in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
‘Gender Mainstreaming Strategy’
There is concern over the large sums of money flowing through the foreign aid budget, particularly from the Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office (FCDO), as well as domestic spending on projects promoting the DEI agenda.
For instance, over half a million pounds (£575,000) went to the Ark Group to advise the Jordanian Armed Forces on their “Gender Mainstreaming Strategy” under the previous Conservative government.
Moreover, extensive funds have been channeled into global projects addressing the “climate crisis,” like the £101 million for “Climate and Ocean Adaptation and Sustainable Transition” in Indonesia, the Philippines, Vietnam, and Mozambique, awarded to DAI Global.
Additionally, the UK has earmarked £12 million for a “Taskforce on Access to Climate Finance” in Mauritius, with the contract open for tender until December.
While many in the UK bear the brunt of congestion, ULEZ, and parking charges, nearly half a million pounds (£499,649.60) were granted for 15 electric vehicles to be donated to Albanian prisons by the British Embassy in Tirana.
Since the last general election, Labour has raised concerns about a purported “£22 billion black hole” in public spending, prompting calls for significant cuts, including scaling back winter fuel allowance for most pensioners.
A group, operating as The Procurement Files, has combed through government accounts to expose questionable spending, a move supported by politicians like Nigel Farage who view the UK’s spending priorities as problematic.
Backing the establishment of a British DOGE, reform is necessary to curtail wasteful spending patterns and enhance taxpayer value.
Sam Bidwell from The Next Generation believes the UK could benefit from a similar approach as the US DOGE, focusing on long-term growth over immediate savings.
Russell Findlay from the Scottish Tories proposed setting up a Scottish Agency of Value and Efficiency to streamline operations and enhance taxpayer value, a move echoed by some Conservatives.
Despite the calls for cuts, certain projects like “Green Growth” in Nepal or “Climate Transitions” in developing nations have yet to be slashed, indicating a potential for further scrutiny of funding allocations.
‘Green Growth’ and ‘Shrimp Health’
The British government has been urged for more transparency and accountability in spending, particularly in areas like academic studies in the UK and abroad that may not align with public priorities.
Musk’s successful cost-cutting efforts at the US DOGE have sparked hopes of eliminating wasteful spending and refocusing resources on areas that yield better returns for taxpayers.
Efforts to replicate the US DOGE approach have faced resistance from Democrats and other stakeholders in the foreign aid sector, despite the potential for significant cost savings and enhanced operational efficiency.
The UK and the US are among the top global contributors to foreign aid, with potential for substantial savings through targeted reforms and strategic expenditure reviews.
The FCDO has been approached for input on these matters but has not responded yet.
