Ministers are contemplating the removal of a 2023 commitment to allocate 80% of foreign aid to gender equality projects by 2030. Critics argue this decision may deepen the negative consequences of previous reductions in funding for diversity and aid initiatives, particularly affecting maternal and reproductive health services. The UK's bilateral aid reached £10 billion in 2023, while estimates indicate a decline to £14.1 billion in 2024. Cuts in aid spending are anticipated to adversely affect health initiatives in Africa, particularly impacting women and children.
Critics warned that scrapping the commitment to spend 80% of foreign aid on gender equality could regressive effects similar to the impacts of Trump's funding rollbacks.
The Conservative government committed in 2023 to ensure that 80% of its bilateral aid programs focus on gender equality by 2030.
UK aid spending declined to £14.1 billion in 2024, an 8% decrease from the previous year, with implications for health services in Africa.
A government impact assessment indicated that aid cuts would reduce spending on women's health and emergency response in various African countries.
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