We are deeply disappointed that the Chancellor today has not set out a timeline for ending the use of UK ODA to fund refugee hotel costs in the UK, and has not reduced the cuts to overall ODA that were announced in March. At a time of unprecedented need, this decision sends the wrong signal.
Acute food insecurity is now at levels not seen since the Second World War, and malnutrition threatens the lives of up to 2.4 million children a year.
Conflict remains the primary driver of hunger. With over 700 million people affected by hunger and famine conditions in places including Sudan and Gaza, UK leadership is urgently needed.
Now is not the time for complacency. At a time when needs are surging, global humanitarian funding is falling short. This undermines efforts to prevent catastrophe and deliver life-saving support.
The government must take decisive action to prevent hunger and malnutrition and strengthen its credibility on the global stage, standing with those most at risk.
We call on the Chancellor, Rachel Reeves MP, to:
- Publish the full impact assessment of the UK aid cuts to ensure transparency and accountability.
- Reinstate the UK’s 0.7% GNI for aid commitment to tackle rising levels of hunger, conflict and displacement.
- Stick to its manifesto commitment and take immediate steps to stop using the aid budget to fund domestic asylum accommodation now; it amounts to a stealth cut and undermines public trust.
Supporting refugees is vital, but diverting aid to cover domestic costs is short-sighted, poor value for money and undermines the UK’s ability to respond to global crisis.
The UK must not turn its back on those facing hunger globally.