Time for the government to show global leadership and use its resources to save lives and tackle poverty

Published on 27 Oct 2026

The UK is on course to miss its target of spending 0.3% of national income on international aid by an estimated £400m by the end of next year, according to calculations from the Center for Global Development (CGD).

Pallets of supplies being loaded, each labelled 'UK aid'.

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The cut in aid spending to 0.3% already meant real cuts for families facing starvation, women and girls denied access to healthcare and education, and communities struggling to survive the impacts of conflict and climate disasters. Now, this failure to even meet that reduced target will affect millions of people in the poorest countries.”

Jean McLean, Oxfam GB Chief Influencing Officer

Jean added: "For too long British governments have lagged behind the British people in their compassion and commitment to tackling poverty and responding to humanitarian crises. This Government must find a different way that meets the demands of British public, by restoring the aid budget to 0.7% and ensuring every pound of UK aid is focused on reducing poverty, responding to humanitarian crises and upholding human rights.@

As we look forward to Britain chairing the G20, it is time for the government to show global leadership and use its resources to save lives and tackle poverty.

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