economy
The Guardian view on aid cuts: Britain championed development funding – its meanness is shortsighted
The steep reductions are a grave error, both morally and pragmatically. But a better case needs to be made for spending
TL;DR
- Global child mortality decreased by 39% between 2001 and 2021 in lower and middle-income countries, with overseas development aid being a key factor.
- Continuing cuts to aid budgets could result in over 22 million avoidable deaths in the next five years, with a quarter affecting children under five.
- The UK's decision to cut aid by 40% is part of a global trend of reduced G7 spending on development aid.
- Bilateral aid to Africa will be cut by 56%, and climate aid by 14%, impacting essential services like schools and clinics.
- The government cites rising defence costs as the reason for cuts, but this approach has damaged the UK's international reputation.
- The effectiveness of leveraging private investment for development is questioned, as private money is unlikely to fund essential health projects or fill the gap left by reduced aid.
- Public perception of aid has been challenging, and unhelpful political comments have further harmed the case for development funding.