Oxfam has launched a campaign on the issue of ‘land-grabbing’ – or what others would call ‘large-scale land acquisitions’ – in developing countries around the world, including by foreign governments or companies, with the World Bank primarily in its sights. This note is a brief introduction to the debate, current multilateral initiatives on the issue and the stance of the UK Government.
Large-scale land acquisitions in developing countries – camouflage for ‘land grabbing’? (118 KB , PDF)
Oxfam has launched a campaign on the issue of ‘land-grabbing’ – or what others would call ‘large-scale land acquisitions’ – in developing countries around the world, including by foreign governments or companies. Sub-Saharan Africa is viewed as the epicentre of the phenomenon. Some view it as a crucial motor of development and improved food security; others as the latest incarnation of ‘neo-colonialism’. The debate is an impassioned one.
This note describes the current Oxfam campaign to persuade the World Bank to introduce a six-month moratorium on agricultural lending that involves large-scale land acquisitions while it reviews its policies to prevent its loans being used for ‘land grabbing’, along with the response of the World Bank to the campaign. It also includes recent UK Government statements on the issue and a brief survey of current multilateral initiatives.
It should also be noted that the International Development Committee has begun an inquiry into Global Food Security.
Large-scale land acquisitions in developing countries – camouflage for ‘land grabbing’? (118 KB , PDF)
On Thursday 1 May 2025 there will be a general debate in the House of Commons Chamber on prisoners of conscience. The debate will be led by Jim Shannon MP. The subject for debate was determined by the Backbench Business Committee. This page provides background to the debate.
A Westminster Hall debate on safety of humanitarian workers in conflict zones is scheduled for Wednesday 30 April 2025, from 2.30pm to 4.00pm. The debate will be led by Tom Morrison MP.
A briefing paper which "maps" (or summarises) the main elements of the United Kingdom's uncodified constitution.
