The UK government has announced a major shift in its foreign aid strategy, defending planned UK aid cuts as a move away from being seen as a “global charity.” Development Minister Jenny Chapman will tell MPs that Britain will focus on sharing expertise rather than direct funding, despite criticism over reduced financial support for developing nations.
The controversial UK aid cuts will reduce spending from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income (GNI) by 2027, slashing £6 billion from the current £15.2 billion budget. This marks the lowest level of UK aid spending since 1999 and will see Britain fall behind Germany, France, and other major donors in percentage terms. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has justified the cuts by redirecting funds to defense priorities.
Chapman, who replaced Anneliese Dodds after she opposed the UK aid cuts, will argue the new approach emphasizes economic partnerships over traditional aid. She claims African nations welcome this shift, preferring investment and knowledge transfer to dependency. “We’re moving from paternalism to partnership,” Chapman will say, framing the changes as modernization rather than retreat.
Critics warn the UK aid cuts could diminish Britain’s global influence, especially as the US also reduces assistance. Global health funding alone may drop 40% by 2025. Opposition MPs and development advocates argue the cuts abandon vulnerable populations and breach moral obligations.
The minister will highlight alternative contributions like British institutional expertise—from the Met Office to NHS systems—as more sustainable than cash transfers. “Biggest impact and biggest spend aren’t the same thing,” Chapman will assert, emphasizing efficiency over budget size.
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