Slashing aid while global crises intensify is a false economy that will cost lives

• Published:
• Short URL: https://www.oxfam.org.uk/mc/yuqyh4/

Governments cuts on aid spending and climate finance risk widening the gap between ambitions and delivery

The Foreign Secretary has confirmed that the Government is reducing the UK aid budget to 0.3% of gross national income by 2027, following years of cuts in UK aid spending.

  • Between 2024-2026 the UK has had the steepest cut of any G7 country.
  • We are seeing a rollback on rights and gender equality, and multiple crises, including climate and conflicts, entrenched inequality and poverty.
  • Aid cuts risk widening the gap between strategic ambitions and actual delivery of impactful, transformational work on the ground, where most needed, especially at local level and in most fragile contexts.

Shahd Mousalli, Senior Humanitarian Adviser for Oxfam GB commented:

“We welcome the Government prioritising fragile and conflict-affected countries where the need is the most acute, including the protection of women and girls. We know that the alarming inequality too many experience every day is being driven wider by armed conflict, climate crisis and gender injustice.

“However, cutting Official Development Assistance (ODA) in order to invest in defence spending is a false economy that will not make our world safer. Continued sustained investment in human security is vital for populations suffering extreme violence and insecurity and another round of cuts will result in further harm, cost lives and exacerbate humanitarian crisis.

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Sustained investment is essential to realise justice, including gender equality. The UK Government needs to show leadership on the world stage at a challenging time of multiple crises, violations of international law and the erosion of rights and civic space.”

Shahd Mousalli, Senior Humanitarian Adviser for Oxfam GB.
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The UK cannot claim it remains an international climate leader while announcing cuts - rather than a much-needed increase - to climate finance. As climate disasters intensify and families lose their homes, crops and livelihoods, scaling back this vital support falls painfully short of the reality faced by people on the frontlines. With development budgets being slashed around the world and UK ODA already at a 25‑year low, this announcement marks a step back from the Government’s own commitments. If the Government wants a modern approach to development, it should ensure that the biggest polluters pay their fair share to address the climate crisis they have disproportionately caused.”

Beth John, Climate Justice Advisor at Oxfam GB.

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