The government's decision to slash the international aid budget to fund a defence spending increase has sparked outrage among charities and development organisations.
This week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced in Parliament that defence expenditure will rise to 2.5% of GDP by 2027—three years ahead of schedule. The move comes in response to growing concerns over Russian influence in Europe and a shifting U.S. foreign policy under Donald Trump’s second presidency.
To finance this acceleration, Starmer confirmed that the international aid budget would be reduced from 0.5% of GDP to 0.3%, a move that has drawn sharp criticism.
"Short-sighted and appalling" decision
Romilly Greenhill, CEO of Bond, an umbrella group for NGOs, strongly condemned the cut, calling it a “short-sighted and appalling” decision.
“Slashing an already diminished UK aid budget to fund defence spending is reckless and will have devastating consequences for millions of marginalised people worldwide,” Greenhill stated.
The aid budget had already been reduced under the previous Conservative government, which lowered spending from 0.7% to 0.5%. Greenhill warned that this new Labour government cut would further damage the UK’s international credibility.
“Rather than stepping up, the UK is turning its back on communities facing poverty, conflict, and insecurity,” she added. “This cut is even deeper than the last Conservative government’s, tearing apart Labour’s own manifesto promises and shattering its reputation as a reliable global partner.”
Aid groups warn of lives at risk
Islamic Relief called the decision “both dangerous and short-sighted,” warning that it could cost tens of thousands of lives.
“This is a shameful betrayal of the world’s most vulnerable communities,” the charity said. “By diverting funds from vital humanitarian and development programs, the government is not only abandoning those in greatest need—especially children, women, and families affected by conflict and poverty—but also undermining its commitment to internationalism.”
The organisation accused the government of prioritising military spending at the expense of human welfare, echoing a broader global trend. “Instead of restoring the values that many hoped Labour would champion, this policy weakens critical international partnerships and jeopardises efforts to tackle global challenges such as inequality, climate change, and health crises.”
"Reckless" move with "devastating consequences"
ActionAid UK was similarly scathing, describing the decision as a “reckless raid” on the overseas development budget.
Co-CEO Hannah Bond criticised the government’s justification, stating: “That this cut is being made to boost military spending only adds insult to injury. There is no excuse for abandoning the world’s most marginalised communities to geopolitical developments. This is a political choice—one with devastating consequences.”
A risk to global security
Ben Simms, Chief Executive of Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET), expressed regret over the move, arguing that cutting aid ultimately undermines global stability.
“Investing in global development is not just the right thing to do—it’s the smart thing to do,” Simms said. “UK aid helps address the root causes of conflict, instability, and disease before they become global threats.”
He emphasised that stronger health systems and economies abroad lead to greater security at home and urged Starmer to reconsider. “UK aid and defence spending should go hand-in-hand, as the prudent use of aid enhances both national and global security.”
Labour MPs join the backlash
Criticism has also come from within Labour ranks. Sarah Champion, Labour MP for Rotherham and Chair of the International Development Select Committee, called the move “deeply short-sighted” and warned that it would do little to enhance security.
“The deep irony here is that development funding helps prevent wars and mitigates their consequences. Cutting this support is counterproductive, and I urge the government to rethink.”
As pressure mounts, it remains to be seen whether Starmer’s government will hold firm on its decision or bow to calls for a reversal. Photo by [2], Wikimedia commons.