This review of the development co-operation efforts of the United Kingdom examines their policies, performance and implementation. It takes an integrated, system-wide perspective on the development co-operation and humanitarian assistance activities of the member under review. An active member of the international community, the United Kingdom (UK) continues to lead in shaping the global development agenda. The UK uses its position strategically to address global public risks and bring development concerns into international policy fora. The Secretary of State's seat in Cabinet and membership of National Security Council ensure DFID is well placed to promote coherence between policies to support development. But, the lack of a comprehensive approach to ensuring its development efforts are not undermined by other government policies means potential incoherence in other policy areas can be overlooked. In addition to managing trade-offs, a more systematic approach would help the UK to tap positive synergies across policy agendas. The UK also does not appear to be investing in building a knowledge base about the impacts of UK policies on developing countries in order to enable more informed decisions. It could do more to increase understanding of the potential effects of different UK policies on key barriers to development, and to use the evidence acquired to raise awareness of the need for greater coherence.