The United Kingdom plans to slash aid spending to just 0.3% of national income, claiming the dramatic step is the only way to boost the country’s defense budget to meet the “generational challenge” of Russia’s threat.
U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stunned members of Parliament, or MPs, of his own Labour Party with the announcement that he will shift billions of pounds from development to support a bigger military — despite a manifesto promise to increase aid spending from 0.5% back to 0.7% of gross national income.
Instead, the cut to 0.3% will be made in 2027, when defense spending will rise to 2.5% ahead of a long-term plan to hike the defense budget to 3% — implying the aid budget reduction will last into the next decade.
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About the author
Rob Merrick
Rob Merrick is the U.K. Correspondent for Devex, covering FCDO and British aid. He reported on all the key events in British politics of the past 25 years from Westminster, including the financial crash, the Brexit fallout, the "Partygate" scandal, and the departures of Boris Johnson and Liz Truss. Rob has worked for The Independent and the Press Association and is a regular commentator on TV and radio. He can be reached at rob.merrick@devex.com.
