UK spending on foreign aid hits lowest level since 2008

"Gideon Rabinowitz, the director of policy and advocacy at Bond, stated that severe damage has already been done by aid cuts, which are expected to be the steepest of all G7 countries in the coming year. He emphasized that life-saving humanitarian programmes, including education provision in Syria and healthcare programmes across Africa, have already been forced to close."

"Rabinowitz highlighted that marginalised communities, particularly across Africa, will continue to pay the highest price for these political choices. He stressed that adequate support for refugees and asylum seekers in the UK is vital, but this funding should come from the Home Office's own budget rather than from humanitarian aid intended for the world's lowest-income countries."

"Rabinowitz warned that these cuts are costing lives and leaving us all more vulnerable to a world with more disease, conflict, and crises. He called for the UK to step up and urgently rebuild its shattered reputation on the global stage instead of retreating from international commitments."

UK government spending on foreign aid has decreased to 0.43% of national income in 2025, the lowest since 2008. Total official development assistance fell to just over £13 billion, a £1 billion drop from the previous year. Humanitarian experts warn that these cuts are costing lives, particularly affecting marginalized communities in Africa. Aid programs, including education in Syria and healthcare in Africa, have already closed. Experts emphasize the need for the UK to fulfill its international commitments and support those in humanitarian need.

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