Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said that cutting the UK’s foreign aid budget by £6 billion to fund defense spending was not a decision he “wanted to take.
However, he explained that conflict zones like Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan will be prioritized with the reduced aid budget.
Starmer emphasized that the UK is not stepping back from its global responsibilities, pointing out that China, for example, is not a major aid donor.
Speaking to reporters on his way to Washington DC, where he will meet President Donald Trump, Starmer said the UK aims to restore and increase foreign aid when the economy allows.
He also highlighted the importance of supporting conflict zones, stating, “We’re not pulling away.”
The decision to cut foreign aid comes as part of a plan to increase defense spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027. This will be the largest boost in defense spending since the Cold War.
To fund this, the UK’s aid budget will be reduced from 0.5% to 0.3% of gross national income by 2027. Starmer acknowledged that these changes involve “extremely difficult and painful choices.”
The move has faced criticism from aid organizations and charities, who call it “reckless” and a “betrayal of the world’s most vulnerable.” Despite the backlash, Starmer insists the UK remains committed to playing a key role on the global stage.
