Statement on UK aid budget cut

“The reduction in the official development assistance (ODA) budget announced by the Prime Minster today is deeply regrettable. While we recognise the challenging national security environment, cutting the UK aid budget at this time will damage our relationships with the UK’s partners, reduce our soft power and diminish our reputation on the world stage.

“Crucially, cutting ODA further risks reducing our ability to act collectively to tackle the big challenges in health – the challenges which threaten our own security, but also require collective responses as we have seen with COVID-19. Our own experience at Global Health Partnerships (formerly THET) has shown us just how much learning there is to be gained from those partners by an NHS looking to innovate and do more with less.

“The impacts of the announcement today are not yet entirely clear, but it is imperative that health spending becomes a larger proportion of the ODA budget to safeguard health security in the UK and globally.

“Investing in global development is not only the right thing to do, but also the smart thing to do. Through the wise use of UK aid, the root causes of conflict, instability, and disease can be tackled before they become global threats. Stronger health systems and economies abroad mean greater security at home, while fostering partnerships that enhance the UK’s global influence and protect our national interests.

“I urge the Prime Minister to re-consider his announcement today. Investment in UK aid and defence should go hand-in-hand as the prudent use of UK aid contributes to our national security and the security of our global community.”

For enquiries, please contact Jonathon Foster (Advocacy & Policy Engagement Manager) via email: jonathon.foster@thet.org.