Campaigners and aid organisations have strongly criticised the Government's latest overseas aid allocations, warning that deep budget cuts will cause widespread harm in some of the world’s poorest regions. Aid spending is set to fall below 0.4 per cent of national income this year and to 0.3 per cent by 2027, following a decision to shift funding towards defence. The Foreign Secretary said difficult choices were necessary but insisted the United Kingdom would remain a major global player and pursue a model based on partnership rather than paternalism.

Charities argue the reductions will damage the United Kingdom’s global reputation and disproportionately affect Africa and the Middle East, where humanitarian need is greatest. Several organisations warned that cuts to bilateral aid, including significant reductions to Africa, could leave millions without access to healthcare, education and emergency support, and risk reversing progress against deadly diseases.

Groups focused on women and girls said promises to prioritise gender equality would ring hollow without sustained funding, particularly after a reduction in international climate finance. Others raised concerns about reduced assistance to Afghanistan, warning that scaling back aid while tightening visa routes could signal that vulnerable populations are being abandoned.

Despite the criticism, the Foreign Secretary maintained that the Government would use its international leadership and wider economic policies to support lower income countries through trade, growth and action against illicit finance. Aid advocates, however, urged ministers to match their rhetoric with sufficient resources to prevent further instability and hardship.