My right honourable friend the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (David Miliband) has made the following Written Ministerial Statement.

I would like to inform the House that the recent FCO commissioned independent review of the Westminster Foundation for Democracy is complete. I have placed copies of the review in both Libraries of the House and it is also available on the WFD website.

The Westminster Foundation for Democracy is a unique organisation that carries out important work to support democracy worldwide. The FCO places great value on its work.

The objective of the review was to assess the foundation’s performance and its value for money. The review found that the WFD is well positioned to make a contribution internationally. It was broadly positive about the WFD’s work with parties and parliaments overseas. The WFD was found to be valued by both participants and beneficiaries. The FCO will continue to work closely with the WFD to ensure that the review’s recommendations are implemented.