THE decision to merge the government departments responsible for foreign affairs and aid was condemned today by MPs who warned that it was likely to have “dire consequences” for developing countries.

PM Boris Johnson plans to merge the Department for International Development (DfID) and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) into a new “super-department.”

But concerns have been raised by the Commons’ international development committee (IDC) about the lack of consultation before the merger was announced.

Its report calls on the government to provide an “evidence-based rationale” for the decision, particularly given the current crisis and the “substantial, multi-billion-pound cuts” to Britain’s foreign-aid budget.

The MPs also called on the government to set out how it plans to retain DfID staff and preserve its projects in developing countries. 

The committee’s chairwoman, Labour MP Sarah Champion, defended DfID’s reputation and expertise, describing its aid programmes as “a lifeline for many of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable.”

“Now we are on the brink of this expertise being lost and our international reputation being damaged beyond repair,” she said.

Mark Serwotka, general secretary of civil servants’ union PCS, said: “We welcome the committee’s findings that [the merger] was flawed, but the union warned that as soon as we heard about the merger. 

“Boris Johnson’s agenda is to make cutbacks by merging [DfID and the FCO]. It is driven by a cost-saving mentality and has nothing to do with improving international aid and diplomacy.

“This report should signal that the government needs to reverse its decision immediately and consult with trade unions on the way ahead.”